WaterQ
Maryland State Report All States
Official Status: March 2026

Is Baltimore tap water safe to drink?

✓ Generally Safe
B

Mostly yes — Baltimore scores 88/100.

Safety Score
88
out of 100

Still not sure if you need a filter in Baltimore?

Read Decision Guide →

Baltimore

Maryland

View Maryland state report Data updated: Mar 2026

Is Baltimore tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Baltimore scores 88/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 5 local systems in Baltimore. We found 121 total violations (15 unresolved).

Real-Time Environment

Live: 03:15 PM
0mm Precipitation

☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Baltimore.

Water Quality Impact

✅ Minimal Impact Localized weather conditions may influence test result variability.

🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs

Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Baltimore?

Requirement Status
Optional
🟢
💡

Expert Advice

Your water quality is excellent. Standard filtration is optional but can further enhance taste.

Buying a Filter?

Should you buy a water purifier in Baltimore? See our analysis.

Baby Formula Safety

Is Baltimore tap water safe for infants? Critical safety guide.

Homebuyer's Perspective

For those looking to relocate to Baltimore, water quality is a key factor in long-term property maintenance. The high safety score (88/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.

Property Impact: Positive / Stable

Health & Family Safety

Residents should monitor Lead (90th percentile) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.

View Health Risk Glossary →

Compliance Record for Baltimore

121
Violations (5yr)
15
Unresolved
1
Contaminants Tracked
0
Exceeding EPA Limit

Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Baltimore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baltimore tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Baltimore scores 88/100.

How many water systems serve Baltimore?

Baltimore is served by 5 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.

How can I check water quality for my exact address in Baltimore?

Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Baltimore.

What is the water quality score for Baltimore?

The water quality score for Baltimore is 88 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 5 systems serving the city.

What are the top contaminants in Baltimore?

The top contaminants detected in Baltimore include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.

Water Quality Score
88/100
Grade
B
Water Systems
5
Population
1.6M

Baltimore Water Quality Summary

Baltimore, MD receives a water quality score of 88/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 5 public water systems serving the area.

Baltimore's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.

Baltimore's score of 88 is 2 points below the Maryland state average of 90, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.

Homebuyers and residents in Baltimore, a large city situated within the dense Baltimore/DC urban corridor, rely on a municipal infrastructure supplied by multiple distinct water systems. This coastal Maryland community, nestled in the Mid-Atlantic region near the Chesapeake Bay, enjoys a consistently solid water quality rating that indicates a reliable standard of safety. While the overall utility health is dependable, the distribution across these different networks is a key characteristic of the area's urban infrastructure.

Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our Maryland water quality rankings report →

Key Contaminants

Lead (90th percentile)
0.003 / 0.015 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 0.015 mg/L

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Water Systems Serving Baltimore (5)

Related

Compare Baltimore water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality