Salisbury, MD: Lead Above EPA Limits — 63/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 8 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Recent monitoring in Salisbury shows middle-tier safety for MD — some systems are clean; others have logged EPA violations.
How Salisbury Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Salisbury Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 16 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0183 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.52 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Salisbury
Throughout Salisbury, MD, water comes from one of 3 primary utilities out of 8 total systems — independent providers with different rate structures, infrastructure, and compliance records that vary across the service territory.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Salisbury, Maryland, covering 8 community water systems serving approximately 69,524 people.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 4 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Salisbury: 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
Salisbury water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0183 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 4 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 4 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 4 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 5 | 4 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 5 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21801 | C | 4 | 1 | City of Salisbury |
| 21802 | C | 4 | 1 | City of Salisbury |
| 21803 | C | 4 | 1 | City of Salisbury |
| 21804 | C | 4 | 1 | City of Salisbury |
All ZIP Codes in Salisbury
- 21801 [C] — 4 violations ⚠
- 21802 [C] — 4 violations ⚠
- 21803 [C] — 4 violations ⚠
- 21804 [C] — 4 violations ⚠
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 Salisbury
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
Top Contaminants in Salisbury Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Salisbury Homeowners
In Salisbury, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Salisbury are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,150–$2,700 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 33% below the Maryland average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Salisbury
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.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water — especially if your home was built before 1986.
<strong>4 ZIP codes</strong> (100% of the city) exceed the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Salisbury
134 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Salisbury, and 75% of local ZIP codes fall within federally designated flood zones — enough to put flood exposure on the planning radar, though short of the concentrated-risk threshold where treatment-system vulnerability becomes a primary consideration.
Salisbury has a moderate flood history with 134 FEMA claims averaging $26,405 per payout. 75% 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>$1,800</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.
What You Can Do in Salisbury
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Stage 2 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Salisbury's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Salisbury, MD