Baltimore, Maryland Tap Water Quality Report
Serving utility: City of Baltimore
Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS
High Priority Concerns
Baltimore tap water has 10 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Haloacetic acids (HAA5). Additionally, 10 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Haloacetic acids (HAA5).
Water Provider Information
Contaminants Detected
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EWG Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen | 49.40 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen | 53.30 ppb | 0.15 ppb | 80 ppb | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen | 31.60 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 60 ppb | Above guideline |
| Bromodichloromethane carcinogen | 7.22 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Chloroform carcinogen | 26.10 ppb | 0.40 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dibromochloromethane carcinogen | 1.21 ppb | 0.10 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Nitrate and nitrite carcinogen | 1.39 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Nitrate carcinogen | 1.22 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Radium, combined (-226 and -228) | 0.23 pCi/L | 0.05 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | Above guideline |
| Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen | 0.04 ppb | 0.02 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| 4-Androstene-3,17-dione | 0.03 ppt | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Atrazine | 0.05 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 3 ppb | Below guideline |
| Barium | 18.10 ppb | 700 ppb | 2,000 ppb | Below guideline |
| Chlorate | 36.70 ppb | 210 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Chloromethane | 0.41 ppb | 2.69 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate carcinogen | 0.16 ppb | 3 ppb | 6 ppb | Below guideline |
| Fluoride | 0.68 ppm | N/A | 4 ppm | Below guideline |
| Manganese | 4.80 ppb | 100 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Strontium | 0.08 ppb | 1,500 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Testosterone | 0.01 ppt | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Vanadium | 0.07 ppb | 21 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
Health Context
Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Bromodichloromethane carcinogen
Bromodichloromethane is a trihalomethane (THM) disinfection byproduct that damages liver and kidneys with chronic exposure. EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen based on animal carcinogenicity data.
Chloroform carcinogen
Chloroform is the most abundant trihalomethane (THM) disinfection byproduct and a probable human carcinogen that accumulates in body tissues. Chronic exposure increases colorectal and bladder cancer risk and causes liver/kidney damage.
Recommended Filtration for This Water
Echo RO System
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Shop Hydrogen FlaskFrequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore tap water safe to drink?
Baltimore tap water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water. However, 10 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 10 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.
What contaminants are in Baltimore water?
A total of 21 contaminants were detected in Baltimore tap water, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). Of these, 10 exceed EWG health guidelines.
What's the best water filter for Baltimore?
For Baltimore tap water, we recommend a reverse osmosis (RO) system for drinking water — it removes up to 99.9% of contaminants including heavy metals, PFAS, and disinfection byproducts. For shower and bath water, a whole-home filtration system reduces chlorine and volatile organics.
Where does Baltimore get its water?
Baltimore tap water is provided by City of Baltimore, serving approximately 1,600,000 people. For detailed source water information, contact your local utility or visit the EPA's SDWIS database.
Nearby City Water Reports
Data sources: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database, U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Last updated: March 2026
Methodology: Contaminant levels are compared against both EPA legal limits (Maximum Contaminant Levels) and EWG health guidelines, which are often stricter and based on the latest scientific research.
