Lead Risk in Maryland: Housing, Water, LCRI Data
Avg lead: 0.0027 mg/L · 9 ZIPs over EPA limit · 0% pre-1986 housing · Updated 2026-05-31
Data: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, CDC, U.S. Census Bureau Last verified: 2026-05-31
City Water Quality Map: Maryland
Each circle represents a city. Size indicates population, color indicates water quality grade. Tap a circle for details.
Cities with Highest Lead Levels in Maryland
| # | City | Lead (mg/L) | Over Limit | Pre-1986 | Population | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Potomac | 0.0340 | 2 | 65% | 220 | Details → |
| 2 | Cascade | 0.0260 | 1 | 82% | 100 | Details → |
| 3 | Colora | 0.0238 | 1 | 54% | 250 | Details → |
| 4 | Salisbury | 0.0183 | 4 | 57% | 31,218 | Details → |
| 5 | Cecilton | 0.0160 | 1 | 64% | 477 | Details → |
| 6 | California | 0.0140 | 0 | 24% | 51,197 | Details → |
| 7 | Dunkirk | 0.0110 | 0 | 51% | 9,200 | Details → |
| 8 | Jessup | 0.0090 | 0 | 35% | 1,070 | Details → |
| 9 | Stevenson | 0.0080 | 0 | 58% | 40 | Details → |
| 10 | Freeland | 0.0070 | 0 | 66% | 336 | Details → |
Lead Risk Overview
The average 90th percentile lead level across Maryland water systems is 0.0027 mg/L — within EPA limits. Out of 235 ZIP codes with lead data, 9 exceed the EPA action level.
Housing Age and Lead Risk
Lead plumbing solder was banned in 1986. In Maryland, approximately 0% of housing was built before this date, creating elevated risk of lead in residential plumbing.
Lead can enter water through:
- Lead service lines connecting water mains to homes
- Lead solder joints in copper plumbing
- Brass fixtures and faucets containing up to 8% lead (pre-2014)
Children's Blood Lead Levels
CDC surveillance data for children tested in Maryland:
| Year | Children Tested | BLL >= 5 ug/dL | BLL >= 10 ug/dL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 131,637 | 1.1% | 0.2% |
| 2019 | 132,186 | 0.9% | 0.2% |
| 2020 | 110,093 | 0.8% | 0.2% |
| 2021 | 109,729 | 0.9% | 0.2% |
| 2022 | 98,216 | 1% | 0.2% |
The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure, particularly for children under 6. Even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
LCRI Funding and Service Line Replacement
The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) require water systems to inventory all service lines and replace lead lines within 10 years.
Federal funding for Maryland:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| FY2025 allotment | $28.6M |
| Additional subsidy | 49% (grants/forgiveness) |
| National total | $3.0B |
Cities with Highest Lead Levels
| Rank | City | Lead Level (mg/L) | ZIPs Over Limit | Pre-1986 Housing | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Potomac | 0.0340 EXCEEDS | 2 | 65% | 220 |
| 2 | Cascade | 0.0260 EXCEEDS | 1 | 82% | 100 |
| 3 | Colora | 0.0238 EXCEEDS | 1 | 54% | 250 |
| 4 | Salisbury | 0.0183 EXCEEDS | 4 | 57% | 31,218 |
| 5 | Cecilton | 0.0160 EXCEEDS | 1 | 64% | 477 |
| 6 | California | 0.0140 | 0 | 24% | 51,197 |
| 7 | Dunkirk | 0.0110 | 0 | 51% | 9,200 |
| 8 | Jessup | 0.0090 | 0 | 35% | 1,070 |
| 9 | Stevenson | 0.0080 | 0 | 58% | 40 |
| 10 | Freeland | 0.0070 | 0 | 66% | 336 |
Health Effects of Lead Exposure
Lead exposure affects every organ system. Key health risks include:
Children: Developmental delays, reduced IQ, behavioral problems, slowed growth
Adults: Kidney damage, high blood pressure, reproductive issues, nerve disorders
Pregnant women: Lead crosses the placenta and affects fetal development
How to Test for Lead
- Contact your water utility — many offer free lead testing
- Use a certified test kit ($20-$50) from a hardware store
- Hire a certified lab ($150-$400) for comprehensive testing
- Run cold water for 2+ minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- Install a NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter rated for lead removal
Data Sources
- Lead levels: EPA Lead and Copper Rule
- Blood lead: CDC National Lead Surveillance
- LCRI funding: EPA DWSRF allotments
- Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
Updated daily.
Concerned about lead in your water?
Lead levels vary by water system and housing age. Enter your ZIP code to see lead data specific to your area and find out if your water exceeds EPA limits.
Test Your Water for Lead →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland have lead in its drinking water?
The average 90th percentile lead level across Maryland is 0.0027 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L). 9 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit. Lead can enter water through older pipes and service lines even when source water is clean.
How old are homes in Maryland?
Approximately 0% of housing in Maryland was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned in plumbing. Older homes have higher risk of lead contamination from pipes, solder joints, and fixtures.
How many children in Maryland have elevated blood lead levels?
According to CDC data (2022), 1% of tested children in Maryland had blood lead levels at or above 5 ug/dL. The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children.
How much federal funding does Maryland receive for lead pipe replacement?
Maryland receives $28.6M in federal LCRI funding (FY2025) for lead service line inventory and replacement. 49% is available as grants or loan forgiveness.
How can I test my water for lead in Maryland?
Local water utilities in Maryland offer free or low-cost lead testing. Certified home test kits ($20-$50) and certified labs ($150-$400) are also available. Free testing is common, especially for homes built before 1986.