Baltimore Water Quality at a Glance
aging infrastructure concerns
Is Baltimore Water Safe to Drink?
Generally Yes, With Precautions – Baltimore’s water meets federal standards when it leaves treatment plants, but faces challenges from aging infrastructure and lead service lines. PFAS levels are detected at 4.93 parts per trillion – above EPA’s near-zero health advisory. Disinfection byproducts and potential lead contamination from older pipes are key concerns requiring attention.
⚠️ Key Concerns for Baltimore Residents
- Lead Service Lines: Maryland has 71,000+ lead pipes; many Baltimore homes have unknown pipe materials
- PFAS “Forever Chemicals”: Detected at 4.93 ppt in Baltimore system, above EPA near-zero health advisory
- Disinfection Byproducts: Chloroform, bromodichloromethane, and trihalomethanes from water treatment process
- Infrastructure Age: Aging pipes and reservoirs increase contamination risk; some areas experience brown water
Read the full report below for detailed analysis, city-specific data, and actionable recommendations for Baltimore residents.
Baltimore – Maryland – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Baltimore’s Department of Public Works manages one of the oldest municipal water systems in the United States, established in 1804, serving over 1.8 million residents across Baltimore City and surrounding jurisdictions. The system includes approximately 3,000 miles of water mains, three major reservoirs (Prettyboy, Loch Raven, and Liberty), and advanced treatment facilities, delivering roughly 475 million gallons daily to the greater Baltimore metropolitan area.
Baltimore draws its drinking water primarily from the Susquehanna River system (Prettyboy and Loch Raven reservoirs) and Liberty Reservoir on the Patapsco River, all located in protected watersheds north and west of the city. The system maintains good source water quality through comprehensive watershed management and protection programs. Baltimore’s water has historically been recognized for quality, though like many older cities, it faces ongoing challenges with aging infrastructure, lead service lines, and PFAS contamination. The city has implemented significant investments in pipeline replacement, water treatment upgrades, and customer assistance programs to maintain water quality standards.
Baltimore Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period shows 10% of samples over 3.06 parts per billion (ppb), below the EPA action level of 15 ppb but reflecting the presence of lead service lines in older neighborhoods throughout the system.
- PFAS Detection: Forever chemicals detected at 4.93 parts per trillion in Baltimore’s water system, above EPA’s near-zero health advisory levels but below previous guidance thresholds.
- Testing Scope: Baltimore conducts approximately 150,000 water quality tests annually across two certified laboratories at Montebello and Ashburton filtration plants.
- Compliance Status: Baltimore’s water meets all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining compliance with EPA and Maryland Department of the Environment regulations.
Protected Watershed Sources
- Susquehanna River System: Primary source includes Prettyboy and Loch Raven reservoirs, both located in protected watersheds with strict land use controls north of Baltimore.
- Liberty Reservoir: Secondary source fed by surface water from the Patapsco River drainage area, also maintained within protected watershed boundaries west of the city.
- Watershed Protection: Over 80,000 acres of protected land ensure source water quality through forest management, development restrictions, and recreational use regulations.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- State-of-the-Art Plants: Ashburton and Montebello treatment plants utilize comprehensive treatment processes including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and chlorine disinfection.
- Chlorine Disinfection: Primary disinfection uses chlorine treatment which provides effective pathogen control, though this creates some disinfection byproducts that are monitored and controlled.
- Corrosion Control: pH adjustment with lime addition prevents lead leaching from pipes, with alkalinity management tailored to system requirements throughout the distribution network.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Pipeline Replacement: Ongoing replacement of aging water mains, prioritizing areas with high leak rates and oldest infrastructure, with focus on eliminating unknown pipe materials.
- Lead Service Line Program: Comprehensive inventory and replacement initiative targeting an estimated 71,000+ lead service lines statewide, with many in Baltimore requiring identification and replacement.
- Smart Water Management: Advanced system monitoring including the new Swordfish technology for lead pipe detection without excavation, improving efficiency and water quality management.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Baltimore provides extensive customer support including free water testing through 311, filter distribution programs, and the Lead Safe Home Program offering grants for lead pipe replacement. The city prioritizes infrastructure improvements in historically underserved communities while maintaining transparent communication about water quality. Baltimore’s Service Line Partnership helps residents identify unknown pipe materials using simple home testing methods. The city’s long history of water provision, combined with ongoing modernization efforts addressing lead pipes and PFAS concerns, works to ensure reliable water delivery to one of the East Coast’s major metropolitan areas.
Recommendations for Baltimore Residents
Test for Lead
Request free water testing by calling 311 or visiting publicworks.baltimorecity.gov. Testing is especially important for homes built before 1987 or with unknown service line materials.
Check Your Service Line
Use the Baltimore Service Line Partnership website to identify your pipe materials. With a magnet, key, and camera, you can determine if you have lead pipes and apply for free replacement through city programs.
Use Certified Filters
If you have a lead service line or elevated lead levels, use NSF-certified filters (Standard 53) for drinking and cooking water. Consider carbon or reverse osmosis filters for PFAS reduction.
Flush Pipes Properly
If water has been sitting in pipes for 6+ hours, run cold water for 1-2 minutes before using for drinking or cooking. Always use cold water for consumption to minimize potential metal exposure.
Report Issues
Contact 311 immediately for water main breaks, pressure problems, or quality concerns. For emergencies after hours, call the water emergency hotline at (410) 396-5775.
Quality News About Your Water
Get the comprehensive water quality news coverage you need with our dedicated US Water News Service. From coast to coast, we deliver in-depth reporting and expert analysis on PFAS contamination, EPA regulatory changes, infrastructure developments, and emerging water safety issues affecting communities nationwide. While mainstream media only covers the biggest stories, we provide the detailed, ongoing coverage that helps you understand the full scope of America’s water challenges. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, water professional, or community leader, our daily updates and analytical insights keep you informed about the issues that matter most to public health and environmental safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Baltimore’s tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The city’s water comes from protected reservoirs with good source water quality and undergoes comprehensive treatment including chlorine disinfection and filtration.
However, lead can enter water through service lines and older plumbing in homes built before 1987. Current testing shows 10% of samples over 3.06 ppb, below EPA action levels but still a concern for vulnerable populations. Additionally, PFAS forever chemicals are detected at 4.93 parts per trillion. The city provides free testing, filters, and service line replacement programs. Residents in older homes should test their water and use certified filters as a precaution.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Baltimore maintains records of service line materials, though many are unknown. To check your home:
1. Look for the service line where water enters your home (usually in basement). Lead pipes are dull gray, soft enough to scratch with a key, and won’t attract a magnet.
2. Call 311 to request a service line inspection or use the Baltimore Service Line Partnership website
3. Review property records if your home was built before 1950
Baltimore is using new Swordfish technology to identify lead pipes without excavation. The city offers grants for lead service line replacement through various programs. Homes built before 1947 are most likely to have lead lines, though some were installed through the 1970s.
What about PFAS forever chemicals in Baltimore water?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been detected in Baltimore’s water system at 4.93 parts per trillion. While this is below previous EPA guidance levels, it exceeds the agency’s current near-zero health advisory.
• Health Concerns: PFAS are linked to cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of high cholesterol
• Filtration: Activated carbon and reverse osmosis filters can reduce PFAS exposure
• Source: PFAS enter water through industrial discharge, firefighting foam use, and consumer products
• Monitoring: Baltimore continues testing and exploring treatment options as EPA finalizes new regulations
Baltimore has filed lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers to address contamination costs.
Are there water restrictions in Baltimore?
Baltimore maintains water conservation guidelines but rarely implements mandatory restrictions:
Voluntary Conservation Measures:
• Water lawns during early morning or evening hours
• Use brooms instead of hoses for cleaning driveways
• Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances
• Fix leaks promptly
Drought Response:
During severe drought (which is rare), the city may implement:
• Restrictions on lawn watering
• Limits on non-essential water use
• Public water use prohibitions
Current status and any active restrictions are available through 311 or publicworks.baltimorecity.gov.
Contaminants of Concern
Lead
Source: Lead service lines and older plumbing fixtures in homes built before 1987; Maryland has approximately 71,000+ lead service lines statewide with many in Baltimore
Health Effects: Developmental delays in children, reduced IQ, learning difficulties, kidney problems, cardiovascular effects in adults
Current Levels: 10% of samples over 3.06 ppb, below EPA action level of 15 ppb EPA Limit: Action level 15 ppb, but no level of lead is considered safe
PFAS Forever Chemicals
Source: Industrial discharge, firefighting foam use, consumer products; detected throughout Maryland water systems including 41 public systems
Health Effects: Cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, increased cholesterol, immune system problems, reduced vaccine effectiveness
Current Levels: 4.93 parts per trillion in Baltimore system; above EPA near-zero health advisory but below previous guidance levels
Please read – our information
The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.
Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.
We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.
Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
