Baltimore
MD

Is Baltimore, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Baltimore, MD tap water meets federal safety standards, but recent EPA testing detected low levels of PFAS compounds and lithium across the city's distribution system. None of the detected levels exceeded enforceable federal limits or non-regulatory health reference levels, though the presence of PFAS is worth knowing about if you are pregnant, nursing, or have young children at home.

1Water system
39ZIP codes
0%ZIPs above EPA guideline
Metro areaBaltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Latest data2025-05-13

Where Does Baltimore Get Its Water?

Baltimore's drinking water is supplied by the City of Baltimore's water system, one of the larger municipal utilities in Maryland. The system draws from surface water sources and serves all 39 ZIP codes that make up the city.

Water is treated at three major filter plants: the Ashburton Filter Plant and two Montebello Filter Plants (Montebello Filter Plant No. 1 and Montebello Filter Plant No. 2). Together, these facilities handle treatment before water enters the distribution system.

Because Baltimore relies on surface water, the source is subject to seasonal variation in quality, including runoff from rain events and upstream land use. Treatment is designed to address these fluctuations before water reaches your tap.

How Is Baltimore Tap Water Treated?

Baltimore's treatment process includes coagulation, clarification with a slow sand filtration step, and conventional filtration to remove particles, sediment, and biological matter from the source water before disinfection.

The utility uses free chlorine as its primary disinfectant, which is added to kill bacteria and viruses and to maintain a protective residual through the pipes to your home. This is standard practice for large surface water systems and is why you may notice a faint chlorine smell from the tap.

Additional treatment steps include chemical adjustments for water stability and corrosion control, which help protect both the distribution infrastructure and household plumbing from deterioration over time.

What's in Baltimore Tap Water?

The most widely detected substances in recent EPA testing are PFAS compounds, a group of synthetic chemicals sometimes called 'forever chemicals.' Several PFAS types were found across all 39 ZIP codes in the city, with the highest single reading at 0.007 micrograms per liter. None of these readings exceeded EPA's enforceable limits or non-regulatory health reference benchmarks.

Lithium was also detected across all 39 ZIP codes, with a maximum measured value of 9 micrograms per liter. There is currently no federal enforceable drinking-water standard for lithium; EPA has a non-regulatory health reference level, and Baltimore's readings did not exceed it.

PFAS compounds typically enter source water from industrial discharges, firefighting foam used at airports or military installations, and consumer product manufacturing. Lithium in tap water usually comes from natural mineral deposits in the watershed or industrial sources upstream. The aggregate data does not identify a specific local source for either contaminant.

ContaminantPeak detectedEPA guidelineZIPs detectedStatus
lithium 9 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
PFTrDA 0.007 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
11Cl-PF3OUdS 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
PFBA 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
HFPO-DA 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline

Health Risk Profile for Baltimore

For most adults, the detected PFAS and lithium levels in Baltimore's water are below the thresholds that EPA considers actionable. The PFAS readings are below EPA's enforceable maximum contaminant levels, and lithium has no federal enforceable drinking-water limit. The readings are also below non-regulatory health reference benchmarks. That said, PFAS accumulate in the body over time, so even low-level exposure is something health agencies continue to study.

Pregnant individuals, infants, and people who are immunocompromised are generally considered more sensitive to low-level chemical exposures. If you fall into one of these groups, using a certified filter for drinking and cooking water is a reasonable precaution given the confirmed PFAS detections.

For PFAS removal, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) or NSF/ANSI P473 (certified specifically for PFOA and PFOS removal). NSF/ANSI is an independent third-party testing and certification label, so when you see it on the box, a neutral organization has verified the performance claim. For chlorine taste or odor, NSF/ANSI 42 certified filters (typically activated carbon pitchers or under-sink units) work well.

The science on low-level PFAS exposure is still evolving, and EPA has indicated it will continue updating guidance as research matures. The city's readings are at or near detection limits for several PFAS compounds, meaning the actual concentration in finished water may be lower than what instruments can precisely measure.

Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile

This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.

Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink RO system

8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.

See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baltimore Tap Water

Is Baltimore tap water safe to drink?

Baltimore tap water currently meets all federal drinking-water regulations. Recent EPA testing found low levels of PFAS compounds and lithium across the city, but none exceeded enforceable federal limits or non-regulatory health reference benchmarks. For most healthy adults, the water is considered safe. People who are pregnant, nursing, or immunocompromised may want to use a certified filter as an added precaution.

What contaminants are in Baltimore tap water?

Recent EPA testing detected several PFAS compounds city-wide, with the highest reading at 0.007 micrograms per liter, below EPA's enforceable limit. Lithium was also found at a maximum of 9 micrograms per liter, below the non-regulatory health reference level and with no federal enforceable standard in place. The water also contains a free chlorine disinfectant residual, which is standard and intentional.

Where does Baltimore get its drinking water?

Baltimore's water comes from surface water sources managed by the City of Baltimore's water system. The water is treated at three major facilities: the Ashburton Filter Plant, Montebello Filter Plant No. 1, and Montebello Filter Plant No. 2, before it enters the pipes that carry it to homes across the city's 39 ZIP codes.

Do I need a water filter in Baltimore?

A filter is not required, but it is a reasonable choice if you want to reduce your exposure to PFAS or to chlorine taste and odor. For PFAS, choose a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) or NSF/ANSI P473. For chlorine taste, an NSF/ANSI 42 certified carbon filter works well. NSF/ANSI certification means an independent organization has verified the filter's performance claims.

How often is Baltimore tap water tested?

Baltimore's water system is tested on a continuous and routine basis under federal and state rules. The PFAS and lithium data shown here come from EPA's latest monitoring round, with samples collected as recently as May 2025. Utilities are also required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report detailing test results for dozens of regulated contaminants.

What is the best water filter for Baltimore?

Given Baltimore's contaminant profile, a filter certified to NSF/ANSI P473 or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) is the strongest choice for reducing PFAS. If chlorine taste or odor is your main concern, an NSF/ANSI 42 certified activated carbon pitcher or under-sink unit is effective and less expensive. Look for the NSF mark on the packaging to confirm independent verification.

Tap water reports by ZIP in Baltimore

Water utilities serving Baltimore, MD

Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.

Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline.

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