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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 21260 Water Quality Report

Baltimore, MD

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

2

Total Violations

11

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

2

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 21260

Tap water in ZIP code 21260 (Baltimore, MD) receives a C grade (score: 64/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from City of Baltimore is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

City of Baltimore

EPA ID: MD0300002

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

1,600,000 residents

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Lead Levels in ZIP 21260

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

Lead Level: 2.7 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 21260 is 2.7 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.
Lead Level (90th percentile)
2.70 ppb (0.0027 mg/L)
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

City of Baltimore has recorded 2 health-based violations in the past 5 years. Multiple health violations suggest recurring compliance challenges. Residents should request a copy of the annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand what contaminants were involved and what corrective actions were taken. 1 violation is currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
11
Health-Based Violations
2
Unresolved Violations
1
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. City of Baltimore has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 2 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 21260: Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Stage 2 DBP Rule. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Consumer Confidence Report RuleStage 2 DBP Rule

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against City of Baltimore — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Surface water from Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy Reservoirs; Susquehanna River during drought
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 21260 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 21260 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 21260?+
Tap water in 21260 (Baltimore, MD) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 21260 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 21260 is 2.7 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 21260?+
Tap water in ZIP code 21260 is provided by City of Baltimore (EPA ID: MD0300002). This system serves approximately 1,600,000 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 21260?+
ZIP code 21260 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 21260 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 1 unresolved violation on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact City of Baltimore for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 21260?+
Your water utility — City of Baltimore — 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 "City of Baltimore Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 21260?+
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 21260, with detected contaminants including Consumer Confidence Report Rule and Stage 2 DBP Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 21260 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 21260 shows a lead level of 2.7 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 21260 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 City of Baltimore. 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 →