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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 21018 Water Quality Report

Benson, MD · Harford County County

Safety Score
D

Water Safety Grade

Poor — Multiple violations recorded

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

0

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 21018

Tap water in ZIP code 21018 (Benson, MD) has received a D grade (score: 53/100) — below average for the nation. MARYLAND AMERICAN WATER--SEVERN SYSTEM has recorded notable violations with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. Residents may want to consider additional filtration and review their annual Consumer Confidence Report.

Water System

MARYLAND AMERICAN WATER--SEVERN SYSTEM

EPA ID: MD0020027

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

5,447 residents

County

Harford County County, Maryland

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Lead Levels in ZIP 21018

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Data Not Available

Lead testing data was not found in EPA records for ZIP code 21018. This may occur with very small systems or systems that report under a parent utility. Contact MARYLAND AMERICAN WATER--SEVERN SYSTEM directly to request lead testing results or a copy of their Consumer Confidence Report.
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Unknown
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

MARYLAND AMERICAN WATER--SEVERN SYSTEM has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years — a strong indicator of consistent regulatory compliance and careful monitoring.

Total Violations (5 yr)
0
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Unknown
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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 21018. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 21018 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact MARYLAND AMERICAN WATER--SEVERN SYSTEM to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 21018 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 21018?+
Tap water in 21018 has a below-average water quality grade of D. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 21018 tap water?+
Lead level data from EPA monitoring is not available for 21018. Contact MARYLAND AMERICAN WATER--SEVERN SYSTEM directly for the most recent lead testing results.
Who provides tap water to 21018?+
Tap water in ZIP code 21018 is provided by MARYLAND AMERICAN WATER--SEVERN SYSTEM (EPA ID: MD0020027). This system serves approximately 5,447 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 21018?+
ZIP code 21018 is served by ground water. Groundwater systems draw from underground aquifers. While naturally filtered, groundwater can still contain naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, radium, or nitrates at elevated levels in some regions.
Does 21018 have any active water quality violations?+
No active violations are on record for ZIP code 21018. EPA data shows this water system is currently in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 21018?+
Your water utility — MARYLAND AMERICAN WATER--SEVERN SYSTEM — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "MARYLAND AMERICAN WATER--SEVERN SYSTEM Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 21018?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 21018, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 21018 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 21018 shows no available lead data — we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter as a precaution for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 21018 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by MARYLAND AMERICAN WATER--SEVERN SYSTEM. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →