Water Quality in Forest Hill, MD: No Violations - Grade C
Grade C · Score 55/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Forest Hill's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
EPA compliance data for Forest Hill, MD covers 2 water systems and returns the same result across every reporting period on file: zero violations documented, zero enforcement initiated, zero health-based findings registered anywhere in the federal dataset.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Forest Hill
Forest Hill is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21050 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Forest Hill, Maryland receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 55 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 2 water systems serving Forest Hill. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants - some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Forest Hill's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Forest Hill is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
Radon Risk
Forest Hill is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Forest Hill
Forest Hill is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 17,848 people across 1 ZIP code.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Forest Hill. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Forest Hill
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Forest Hill. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-12-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-18 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-05-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-04-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-04-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-04-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-08-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-08-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-08-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-12-10.
Forest Hill vs. Nearby Maryland Cities
How Forest Hill's water quality compares to similar cities in Maryland:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Hill | C | 0 | 2 | 17,848 |
| Millersville | B | 5 | 5 | 17,894 |
| Cambridge | B | 2 | 3 | 18,167 |
| Kensington | D | 0 | 2 | 19,042 |
Common Questions About Forest Hill Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Forest Hill, Maryland:
Is Forest Hill water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Forest Hill's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Forest Hill tap water? Forest Hill's water receives a grade of C (55/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Forest Hill? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Forest Hill vs. Maryland Average
Understanding how Forest Hill compares to the broader Maryland average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Forest Hill.
ZIP Codes in Forest Hill
Forest Hill spans 1 ZIP code. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.