Lead in Maryland Drinking Water — 189 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for lead in Maryland drinking water systems
ZipCheckup tracks Lead in Maryland drinking water: 189 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 133 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (15 ppb (action level)). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.
Lead Contamination in Maryland
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 359 ZIP codes in Maryland for lead contamination. 189 ZIP codes have reported lead detections, and 133 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for lead in Maryland is 37% of all ZIP codes — higher than the national average.
EPA Standard for Lead
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead is 15 ppb (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR/LCRI). Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in Maryland
These ZIP codes reported the highest lead levels in Maryland based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Lead Levels in Maryland
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported lead detections in Maryland:
Health Effects of Lead
Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. In children, lead causes developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. In adults, it causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant women face increased risk of premature birth.
How to Remove Lead From Drinking Water
The most effective treatment for lead removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.
Check Your ZIP Code
Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see lead data for your specific water system in Maryland.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in Maryland
Ranked by highest lead detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21801 | Salisbury | 18 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 2 | 21830 | Hebron | 18 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 3 | 21654 | Oxford | 10 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 4 | 21673 | Trappe | 10 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 5 | 21632 | Federalsburg | 7 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 6 | 21643 | Hurlock | 7 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 7 | 21659 | Rhodesdale | 7 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 8 | 20640 | Indian Head | 6 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 9 | 21001 | Aberdeen | 6 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 10 | 21037 | Edgewater | 6 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 11 | 21048 | Finksburg | 6 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 12 | 21078 | Havre De Grace | 6 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 13 | 21157 | Westminster | 6 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 14 | 21401 | Annapolis | 6 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 15 | 21403 | Annapolis | 6 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 16 | 21804 | Salisbury | 6 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 17 | 21822 | Eden | 6 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 18 | 21826 | Fruitland | 6 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 19 | 20653 | Lexington Park | 5 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 20 | 20837 | Poolesville | 5 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
Lowest Lead Levels in Maryland
Cities with Lead Data in Maryland
84 cities in Maryland have lead testing data available.
+ 64 more cities