Water Quality: Hagerstown, MD
6 water systems • 94,933 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Hagerstown is served by 6 public water systems with a combined service population of 94,933 people, and has 49 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 5 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Hagerstown's violation count is 34% above the national average for Maryland. Contaminants associated with violations include Bromate, Chlorine Dioxide, Disinfection Byproducts, Stage 2 DBP, TTHM.
Contaminants Found
Probable human carcinogen that increases the risk of kidney and thyroid cancers.
Common source: Ozonation of bromide-containing water; used as flour improver
EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)
Can cause anemia in infants and young children; may cause nervous system effects at high levels.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant used to control taste, odor, and microorganisms
EPA limit: 0.8 mg/L
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
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
Total trihalomethanes are linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with naturally occurring organic matter in water
EPA limit: 0.080 mg/L (80 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Hagerstown
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF HAGERSTOWN | MD0210010 | Surface Water | 92,200 | 1 |
| LAKESIDE VILLAGE | MD0210215 | Surface Water | 1,575 | 6 |
| MOUNT AETNA | MD0210015 | Groundwater | 688 | 3 |
| SAINT JAMES SCHOOL | MD0210209 | Surface Water | 200 | 29 |
| CONCORD ESTATES MOBILE HOME PARK | MD0100203 | Groundwater | 150 | 7 |
| ELK RIDGE LAKE | MD0210006 | Groundwater | 120 | 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.