Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Baltimore School District (MD): 100 Health Violations

50 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · 80,000,000 people served · Updated 2026-06-03

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-06-03

C · 64
Avg Safety Score
50
ZIP Codes
5
Water Systems
550
Violations (5yr)
0.0027 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
41
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 School District in Maryland spans 50 ZIP codes served by 5 community water systems, providing water to approximately 80,000,000 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is C (64/100) — with the lowest-scoring area at 58/100 .

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 61% 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 50 —

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 41 of 50 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

100 health-based violations recorded across 50 of 50 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 50 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 250 Yes 50
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 100 Yes 50
Lead Inorganic 50 No 50
Contaminant 2384 Other 50 No 50
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 50 No 50
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 50 No 50

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)

48 of 50 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
21203 Baltimore A (93) 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
21235 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21239 Baltimore C (63) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21240 Baltimore B (81) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21241 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21250 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21251 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21260 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21263 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21264 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21265 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21268 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21270 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21273 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21274 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21275 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21278 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21279 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21280 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21281 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21282 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21283 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21284 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21285 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21287 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21288 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21289 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21290 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21297 Baltimore C (64) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
21298 Baltimore C (68) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No

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 School District schools?

Water systems serving Baltimore School District have recorded 100 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 School District 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 School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 41 of 50 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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