Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.

Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.

Is Baltimore, Maryland Tap Water Safe to Drink?

EPA SDWIS/ECHO 2026Q2 · UCMR5 (2023–2026, July 2026 release) · SYR4 six-year review 2012–2019 · Methodology

Is Baltimore Tap Water Safe to Drink?

C72/100

Grade C — based on EPA compliance records, lead testing and PFAS monitoring

CITY OF BALTIMORE has a mixed record — read the reasons below; the deductions come from real EPA violations, lead results or PFAS detections, not from a template.

Why this grade

2 health-based violations (MCL/treatment-technique) in the last 5 years (−20)
6 monitoring/reporting violations in the last 5 years (−6)
Lead 90th-percentile tap result 2.74 ppb for 2022-01-01–2024-12-31, well below the 15 ppb action level
Other PFAS detected in UCMR5 sampling: PFPeA 3 ppt (−2)
Total trihalomethanes (TTHM): 55 of 732 single samples (2012–2019) above 80 ug/l, but the average (48.45 ug/l) was within the MCL; the MCL is a running annual average, so single samples are not penalised
Haloacetic acids (HAA5): 88 of 739 single samples (2012–2019) above 60 ug/l, but the average (40.287 ug/l) was within the MCL; the MCL is a running annual average, so single samples are not penalised

Scores start at 100 and lose points for EPA violations, lead results, PFAS detections and historical readings near a limit. How we grade → · Compare with other cities in the state rankings.

QUICK ANSWER

Short answer for Baltimore

Baltimore, MD tap water is legal to drink but grades C on EPA's records, mainly because of 2 health-based EPA violations in the last five years and low-level PFAS (PFPeA) detected below federal limits. A certified filter matched to those findings is a reasonable precaution.

✓2 health-based EPA violations in the last 5 years
✓Lead 90th percentile: 2.7 ppb (2024; action level 15 ppb)
✓PFAS detected: PFPeA (below federal MCLs)
✓CITY OF BALTIMORE serves 1,600,000 people from surface water

Frequently asked questions

Is Baltimore, MD tap water safe to drink?▾

Does Baltimore have lead in the water?▾

CITY OF BALTIMORE's most recent Lead and Copper Rule result (2022-01-01 to 2024-12-31) was 2.74 ppb at the 90th percentile, below EPA's 15 ppb action level. Because lead usually comes from service lines and household plumbing, homes built before 1986 should still test at the tap.

Is there PFAS in Baltimore's water?▾

Yes. EPA's UCMR5 sampling (2024-08-15 to 2025-05-13) detected PFPeA, all below federal MCLs. Reverse osmosis and certified activated-carbon filters reduce PFAS.

Has Baltimore had any EPA violations?▾

CITY OF BALTIMORE has 10 violations on file since 2016: 2 health-based in the last five years and 6 monitoring or reporting violations in that window. Monitoring violations are paperwork lapses, not measured contamination.

Where does Baltimore's water come from?▾

CITY OF BALTIMORE reports surface water as its primary source and serves about 1,600,000 people (EPA PWSID MD0300002).

Do I need a water filter in Baltimore?▾

We recommend one. Check which contaminant the violations involved (table above) and choose a filter certified for it.

Protect Your Family's Water

CITY OF BALTIMORE has 2 health-based EPA violations in the last five years.

PFAS detected — Reverse osmosis or activated carbon rated for PFAS recommended.