Water Quality: Baltimore, MD
7 water systems • 1,601,584 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Baltimore is served by 7 public water systems with a combined service population of 1,601,584 people, and has 87 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 7 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Baltimore's violation count is 139% above the national average for Maryland. Contaminants associated with violations include E. coli, Stage 2 DBP, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants Found
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids that increase cancer risk and may cause adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Chlorine disinfection reacting with natural organic matter in source water
EPA limit: TTHM: 0.080 mg/L; HAA5: 0.060 mg/L
Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Baltimore
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF BALTIMORE | MD0300002 | Surface Water | 1,600,000 | 48 |
| KESWICK MULTI-CARE CENTER | MD0300005 | Surface Water | 575 | 6 |
| SUNNYBROOK | MD0030011 | Groundwater | 416 | 9 |
| CAMPUS HILLS WATER WORKS | MD0120007 | Groundwater | 250 | 0 |
| THE NEIGHBORHOODS AT ST. ELIZABETH | MD0300004 | Surface Water | 162 | 15 |
| RIO VISTA PLAZA MOBILE HOME PARK | MD0020218 | Groundwater | 150 | 6 |
| PHOENIX | MD0030017 | Groundwater | 31 | 3 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Maryland
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.