What contaminants are in Baltimore's water?

Baltimore's water utility tests for 20 different contaminants. Currently, 7 contaminants are above EPA MCLGs. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including test results, health effects, and comparisons to EPA MCLGs in the sections above.

Do I need a water filter in Baltimore?

Yes, we recommend using a water filter in Baltimore. With 7 contaminants above EPA MCLGs, a certified water filter can reduce your exposure to these substances. Look for filters certified for NSF-53 (health effects) or NSF-58 (reverse osmosis) that specifically remove the contaminants found in your water.

Does Baltimore have any water quality violations?

BALTIMORE WATER SYSTEM currently has no reported Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations, meaning the water meets all federal legal limits. However, health-based guidelines are often more protective than legal limits, which is why we compare test results to EPA MCLG Levels on this page.

What are the main contaminants in Baltimore tap water?

The main contaminants of concern in Baltimore's tap water include Bromodichloromethane, Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, Perfluorooctanoic acid. These substances were found above EPA health-based guidelines. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including health effects and recommended filters, in the contaminants section above.

Can you drink tap water in Baltimore?

While you can technically drink tap water in Baltimore as it meets legal requirements, 7 contaminants are above EPA health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter for optimal protection, especially for vulnerable individuals.

How often is Baltimore's water tested?

BALTIMORE WATER SYSTEM is required by federal law to test water quality regularly. The frequency depends on the contaminant - some are tested daily (like bacteria), while others are tested monthly, quarterly, or annually. The test results shown on this page are from the most recent testing period reported to the EPA.

Where does Baltimore's tap water come from?

Baltimore's drinking water comes from surface water. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which require more extensive treatment to remove sediments and potential contaminants. The utility treats this water using various methods before distribution.

What is the overall water quality in Baltimore?

Baltimore has 7 contaminants above EPA health guidelines (MCLGs) out of 20+ tested. While meeting federal legal limits (MCLs), the presence of contaminants above health-based guidelines suggests that using a certified water filter could provide additional protection, especially for sensitive populations.

Does Baltimore have hard or soft water?

Water hardness information is not currently available for Baltimore. You can contact BALTIMORE WATER SYSTEM at 410-396-3500 for specific hardness data. Generally, water hardness varies by source - groundwater tends to be harder (more minerals) while surface water is often softer. Signs of hard water include white deposits on fixtures, soap scum, and difficulty lathering soap.

What are the most common contaminants detected in Baltimore water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Baltimore water include: Bromodichloromethane, Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, Perfluorooctanoic acid, Radium, combined (-226 & -228), Chloroform. Of these, 7 exceed EPA health guidelines. These contaminants are regularly monitored by BALTIMORE WATER SYSTEM and reported to the EPA. View the detailed contaminant section above for specific levels and health information.

Baltimore Tap Water Quality Report

Baltimore's water has 7 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.

Utility

BALTIMORE WATER SYSTEM

People Served

1,600,000

MCL Violations

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2025

Is Baltimore Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Baltimore's water has 7 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Baltimore's water.

The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 1,600,000 people in the Baltimore area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated Sep 22, 2025.

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Recommended Water Filters for Baltimore

Based on Baltimore's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.

Our Pick

BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Pentair Residential Filtration, LLC

Everpure Residential H-300-NXT

(387 reviews)

468

NSF Certified:

NSF-401

NSF-42

NSF-53

Capacity

3001 gal

Filter Life

10 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 5 contaminants:

Chlorine (Free), Chlorine (Total), Chlorine Dioxide, Cryptosporidium, Lead

View Details

Best Value

BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Whirlpool Corporation

W11256135

(40,578 reviews)

NSF Certified:

NSF-401

NSF-42

NSF-53

Capacity

1001 gal

Filter Life

3 mo

Flow Rate

0.7 gpm

Removes 19 contaminants:

1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos, Atrazine +14 more

View Details

Best Value

BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Whirlpool Corporation

W11569861

(1,273 reviews)

59.97

NSF Certified:

NSF-401

NSF-42

NSF-53

Capacity

1001 gal

Filter Life

3 mo

Flow Rate

0.52 gpm

Removes 22 contaminants:

1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4 Trichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos +17 more

View Details

Best Value

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST BUDGET

Santevia

19.99

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

Flow Rate

0.36 gpm

Removes 1 contaminants:

Chlorine

View Details

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

With 7 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.

RECOMMENDED

SimpleLab

Advanced Home Water Test

$369

Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.

(19 reviews)

7-10 days

300+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 300+ parameters

Most thorough analysis available

EPA-certified laboratory

Order Test Kit

SimpleLab

Standard Home Water Test

$232

Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.

(209 reviews)

7-10 days

200+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 200+ contaminants

EPA-certified laboratory

Easy mail-in sample collection

Order Test Kit

Tap Score

PFAS Forever Chemicals Test

$239

Specialized test for PFOA, PFOS, and 24 other forever chemicals. Essential for areas near military bases, airports, or industrial sites.

(24 reviews)

7-10 days

26+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests for 26 PFAS compounds

Detects down to EPA's 4 ppt limit

Critical for high-risk areas

Order Test Kit

EPA-Certified Labs

7-10 Day Results

Easy Mail-In Collection

Browse All Test Kits

Frequently Asked Questions About Baltimore Tap Water

Baltimore's water has 7 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Baltimore's water.

Baltimore Tap Water Quality Report

Is Baltimore Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Recommended Water Filters for Baltimore

Everpure Residential H-300-NXT

W11256135

W11569861

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

Advanced Home Water Test

Standard Home Water Test

PFAS Forever Chemicals Test

Frequently Asked Questions About Baltimore Tap Water

Is Baltimore tap water safe to drink?

What contaminants are in Baltimore's water?

Do I need a water filter in Baltimore?

Does Baltimore have any water quality violations?

What are the main contaminants in Baltimore tap water?

Can you drink tap water in Baltimore?

How often is Baltimore's water tested?

Where does Baltimore's tap water come from?

What is the overall water quality in Baltimore?

Does Baltimore have hard or soft water?

What are the most common contaminants detected in Baltimore water?

Stay Informed About Your Water Quality