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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 21801 Water Quality Report

Salisbury, MD · Wicomico County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

4

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

1

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 0 unresolved violation. Contact City of Salisbury for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 21801

Tap water in ZIP code 21801 (Salisbury, MD) receives a C grade (score: 59/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from City of Salisbury is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

City of Salisbury

EPA ID: MD0220004

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

30,343 residents

County

Wicomico County County, Maryland

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Lead Levels in ZIP 21801

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

Lead Level: 18.3 ppb — EXCEEDS EPA Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 21801 is 18.3 ppb, which EXCEEDS the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This is a serious concern. The water utility is legally required to notify residents, identify the source of contamination, and take corrective action. Do not give this water to infants, children, or pregnant women without first passing it through a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter. Contact City of Salisbury immediately for current guidance, or call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Lead exposure risk in 21801 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 69% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
18.30 ppb (0.0183 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

69%
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 Salisbury has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. A single health violation means the water exceeded an EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) at some point. Most water systems resolve these quickly, but residents should review the Consumer Confidence Report for details.

Total Violations (5 yr)
4
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Moderate

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Moderate. City of Salisbury has had occasional lapses in compliance but generally meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 21801: 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.

Stage 2 DBP Rule

⚖ Enforcement Actions

6 enforcement actions have been issued against City of Salisbury — 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

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

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$4
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

3.14%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 21801 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 21801 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 21801?+
Tap water in 21801 (Salisbury, 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 21801 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 21801 is 18.3 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This exceeds the EPA action level — use a certified lead-reducing water filter.
Who provides tap water to 21801?+
Tap water in ZIP code 21801 is provided by City of Salisbury (EPA ID: MD0220004). This system serves approximately 30,343 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 21801?+
ZIP code 21801 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 21801 have any active water quality violations?+
There are 1 health-based violation in the past 5-year record, but no currently unresolved violations according to EPA data. This means past issues have been addressed.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 21801?+
Your water utility — City of Salisbury — 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 Salisbury Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 21801?+
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 21801, with detected contaminants including Stage 2 DBP Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 21801 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 18.3 ppb in 21801, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 21801 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 Salisbury. 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 →