Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Baltimore City Public Schools (MD): 46 Health Violations

33 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · 52,800,000 people served · Updated 2026-07-23

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Baltimore City Public Schools: 23 unresolved violations in the water systems serving this district.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-23

C · 60
Avg Safety Score
33
ZIP Codes
6
Water Systems
253
Violations (5yr)
0.0027 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
31
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 1
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Baltimore City Public Schools in Maryland spans 33 ZIP codes served by 6 community water systems, providing water to approximately 52,800,000 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is C (60/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 45/100 .

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 70% nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure - Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") - Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate - Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts - Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0027 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0027 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 33 -

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 31 of 33 ZIP codes in this district.

Detected compounds: PFPeA.

Highest measured level: 0.003 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

46 health-based violations recorded across 23 of 33 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 23 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 115 Yes 23
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 46 Yes 23
Lead Inorganic 23 No 23
Contaminant 2384 Other 23 No 23
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 23 No 23
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 23 No 23

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)

23 of 33 ZIP codes are in the highest radon risk zone. Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the U.S. - homes and school buildings in Zone 1 should be tested.

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
21201 Baltimore C (68) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21202 Baltimore C (63) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21205 Baltimore C (68) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21206 Baltimore C (63) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21209 Baltimore C (58) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21210 Baltimore C (63) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21211 Baltimore C (58) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21212 Baltimore C (63) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21213 Baltimore C (63) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21214 Baltimore C (63) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21215 Baltimore C (58) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21216 Baltimore C (63) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21217 Baltimore C (68) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21218 Baltimore C (63) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21223 Baltimore C (63) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21224 Baltimore C (63) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21229 Baltimore C (58) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21230 Baltimore C (58) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21231 Baltimore C (58) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21233 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21239 Baltimore C (63) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21251 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21287 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21207 Gwynn Oak D (50) 0 0 — —
21208 Pikesville D (50) 0 0 — —
21222 Dundalk D (45) 0 0 — —
21225 Brooklyn C (55) 0 0 — —
21226 Curtis Bay C (63) 0 0 — —
21227 Halethorpe D (50) 0 0 — —
21228 Catonsville D (50) 0 0 — —
21234 Parkville C (55) 0 0 — —
21236 Nottingham C (55) 0 0 — —
21237 Rosedale C (55) 0 0 — —

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
City of Baltimore 1,600,000 Surface water 21201, 21202, 21205 +30 more
Glen Burnie-broadneck 290,606 Groundwater 21225, 21226
Keswick Multi-care Center 575 Surface water 21201, 21202, 21205 +20 more
Sunnybrook 416 Groundwater 21201, 21202, 21205 +20 more
Campus Hills Water Works 250 Groundwater 21201, 21202, 21205 +20 more
The Neighborhoods at St. Elizabeth 162 Surface water 21201, 21202, 21205 +21 more

Lead Risk Assessment

Lead risk: ELEVATED. 30 ZIP codes in this district have high lead exposure risk scores based on housing age and infrastructure.

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 81.8% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 41.7% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 24.1% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.0027 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.0027 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

2 health-based contaminants have triggered violations in this district: Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Stage 2 DBP Rule.
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 115 Yes 23
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 46 Yes 23
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 23 No 23
Lead Inorganic 23 No 23
Contaminant 2384 Other 23 No 23
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 23 No 23

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 21201 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 21201 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 21201 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 21201 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 21201 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Baltimore City Public Schools Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Baltimore City Public Schools area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 46 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 31 of 33 ZIP codes. Current levels are below EPA maximums.
  • 81.8% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.
  • 23 violations remain unresolved, meaning the issues have not been officially corrected.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Baltimore City Public Schools school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.
  3. Ask about PFAS testing. PFAS have been detected in this district. Request specific PFAS testing results from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.
  3. Contact your water utility about the 23 unresolved violations in the district. Ask for a timeline for resolution.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school - The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water - Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS - If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home - If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed - Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Baltimore City Public Schools schools?

Water systems serving Baltimore City Public Schools have recorded 46 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Baltimore City Public Schools test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Baltimore City Public Schools water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 31 of 33 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Baltimore City Public Schools (MD): 46 Health Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/schools/baltimore-city-public-schools-md/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-baltimore-city-public-schools-md,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Baltimore City Public Schools (MD): 46 Health Violations}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/baltimore-city-public-schools-md/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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