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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 35 cities in Maryland
Across the 35 Maryland water systems we track, the average water quality score is 83/100 — 11 points above the U.S. national average of 72/100. 83% of Maryland cities (29 of 35) score above that national benchmark, and 18 earn a Grade A for clean, low-contaminant tap water.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Maryland water systems are lead (older service lines, especially baltimore), nitrates (eastern shore agriculture and poultry) and pfas (military and industrial sites). See the full breakdown in our Maryland water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Maryland
19,495 residents
42,415 residents
10,594 residents
44,408 residents
70,153 residents
19,960 residents
75,947 residents
24,921 residents
29,248 residents
17,629 residents
68,056 residents
67,796 residents
82,934 residents
34,740 residents
72,891 residents
68,847 residents
39,553 residents
81,410 residents
602,274 residents
59,156 residents
30,508 residents
16,589 residents
41,980 residents
78,588 residents
27,805 residents
59,533 residents
40,812 residents
31,617 residents
33,050 residents
21,187 residents
104,681 residents
26,112 residents
54,327 residents
91,249 residents
43,527 residents
Maryland's water quality is closely tied to the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The state benefits from major protected reservoir systems serving Baltimore and the Washington suburbs, but contends with lead service lines in older cities, nitrate from Eastern Shore agriculture, and PFAS near military and industrial sites.
Based on our analysis of 35 cities in Maryland, the average water quality score is 83/100. 4 cities have water quality scores below 70, indicating potential concerns that residents should be aware of. The highest-rated city is Hagerstown with a score of 50/100, while Cumberland has the most room for improvement at 98/100.
4 of the 35 Maryland cities we analyzed score below 70/100. If your city is one of them, a certified filter matched to your local contaminants is the fastest way to reduce exposure. For lead and PFAS, look for an NSF 53 certified filter or a reverse osmosis system.
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Baltimore draws from the protected Loch Raven, Liberty, and Prettyboy reservoirs, while the Washington suburbs rely on the Potomac River via the WSSC and Washington Aqueduct systems. The rural Eastern Shore depends largely on groundwater aquifers that can be affected by agricultural runoff and saltwater intrusion near the coast.
These contaminants have been detected in various Maryland water systems
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) regulates public drinking water under federal EPA standards and coordinates Chesapeake Bay nutrient-reduction efforts that also benefit drinking-water sources. Maryland has expanded PFAS monitoring, particularly near current and former military installations.
Lead is a long-standing concern in Baltimore and other older communities with lead service lines. The Eastern Shore's intensive poultry and crop agriculture drives nitrate contamination in shallow wells. PFAS has been detected near several Maryland military bases and industrial areas.
Maryland residents in older homes should test for lead and use an NSF 53 certified filter; Baltimore offers guidance on its lead service line program. Eastern Shore well owners should test for nitrate and bacteria, and for PFAS near military sites. Reverse osmosis addresses nitrate, lead, and PFAS most comprehensively.
Most Maryland cities have tap water that meets EPA safety standards. With an average score of 83/100 across 35 cities we analyzed, Maryland generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by location, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Maryland include lead (older service lines, especially baltimore), nitrates (eastern shore agriculture and poultry), pfas (military and industrial sites). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 4 cities in Maryland showing elevated contaminant levels, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Maryland are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Maryland water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Maryland. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Maryland city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, Hagerstown has the highest water quality score in Maryland at 50/100 (Grade D). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Maryland page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Maryland are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area