Cumberland, MD Water Safety: 81/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Throughout Cumberland and across its water systems, EPA compliance data for MD shows above-average performance — violations are minimal, none of the tracked systems have recorded repeated MCL exceedances in recent cycles, and the safety picture has held steady across multiple reporting periods.
How Cumberland Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Cumberland, MD
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
How ZIP codes in Cumberland score across all safety grades.
What You Should Know About Cumberland Water
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $880 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.78 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Cumberland
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Cumberland, MD — out of 6 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in Cumberland, Maryland, covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 41,810 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Cumberland — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cumberland: B (81/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Cumberland water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 5 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21501 | B | City of Cumberland | 27,039 |
| 21502 | B | City of Cumberland | 27,039 |
| 21503 | B | City of Cumberland | 27,039 |
| 21504 | B | City of Cumberland | 27,039 |
| 21505 | B | City of Cumberland | 27,039 |
All ZIP Codes in Cumberland
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Cumberland
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Cumberland Homeowners
Remediation costs in Cumberland are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Cumberland are relatively low compared to home values. The $320–$1,520 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 65% below the Maryland average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Cumberland
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Cumberland appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Cumberland
A moderate NFIP record for Cumberland — 141 insurance claims paired with 40% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Cumberland has a moderate flood history with 141 FEMA claims averaging $12,748 per payout. 40% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$880</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cumberland, MD