Harmans, MD Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Recent monitoring in Harmans shows middle-tier safety for MD — some systems are clean; others have logged EPA violations.
How Harmans Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Harmans Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 46% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.75.
Water Systems Serving Harmans
Multiple utilities divide Harmans, MD's water service — 3 leading providers among 3 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Harmans, Maryland (population ~137), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 1,894,597 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Harmans — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Harmans: C (63/100)
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
Harmans water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Harmans
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21077 | C | Glen Burnie-broadneck | 290,606 |
All ZIP Codes in Harmans
- 21077 [C]
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.
CDC Health Data for Harmans
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
How Old Is Harmans's Housing Stock?
With 46% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Harmans, the median build year of 2018 indicates that plumbing age is a material factor in local lead risk — with the pre-1986 share concentrated in specific neighborhoods and building types where older construction remains common.
A significant portion of Harmans's housing stock predates 1970, when lead pipes were commonly used. Residents in older homes should consider water testing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Harmans: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Harmans, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Harmans are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 1% below the Maryland average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Harmans
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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 46% of Harmans homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Harmans
Historically, Harmans has seen minimal flood insurance activity under the NFIP, placing it in a low-exposure category where flood-driven water quality disruptions are uncommon.
Harmans has a relatively low flood history with 1 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
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>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Harmans
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 46% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Harmans, MD