Is Ellicott City, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Ellicott City tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 1 of 3 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for lithium. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Ellicott City Get Its Water?
Water in Ellicott City, MD is provided by 2 public water systems: CITY OF BALTIMORE and GLENELG COUNTRY SCHOOL.
How Is Ellicott City Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using chloramines and free chlorine. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), groundwater disinfection and slow sand filtration.
What's in Ellicott City Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Ellicott City public water systems. 1 of 3 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lithium | 11.8 µg/L | 10 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| PFPeA | 0.0221 µg/L | — | 1 ZIP | Within guideline |
| PFHxA | 0.0109 µg/L | — | 1 ZIP | Within guideline |
| PFBA | 0.0083 µg/L | — | 1 ZIP | Within guideline |
| PFBS | 0.0075 µg/L | — | 1 ZIP | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Ellicott City
Based on EPA monitoring data, 1 of 3 ZIP codes in Ellicott City have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.
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.
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 Ellicott City Tap Water
Is Ellicott City tap water safe to drink?
Ellicott City tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 1 of 3 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in Ellicott City tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Ellicott City water systems include: lithium, PFPeA, PFHxA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Ellicott City get its drinking water?
Ellicott City receives water from 2 public water systems, including CITY OF BALTIMORE.
Do I need a water filter in Ellicott City?
If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.
How often is Ellicott City tap water tested?
Public water systems in Ellicott City are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-05-13.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Ellicott City
Water utilities serving Ellicott City, 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.
- CITY OF BALTIMORELooks OK
- TAYLORSVILLE MHC, LLCNo recent federal sampling
Also covers / overlaps with
- District 2, Ellicott, MD · Township
- District 3, West Friendship, MD · Township
- District 1, Elkridge, MD · Township
- District 2, MD · Township
- District 5, Clarksville, MD · Township
- Ilchester, MD · CDP
- Randallstown, MD · CDP
- Woodstock, MD · Community