Is Baltimore Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Baltimore tap water meets EPA standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act, regularly tested for contaminants. It is generally considered safe to drink.
The city treats water from the Loch Raven and Liberty Reservoirs using filtration, disinfection, and corrosion control to ensure safety and quality.
Occasional advisories may occur, but these are promptly communicated. Residents should check Baltimore City's Department of Public Works for current water quality reports.
Last checked: 2025-11-27
United States is ranked as number 15 globally with a score of 96.2% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Baltimore, United States
Baltimore's tap water primarily comes from two sources: Loch Raven Reservoir and Liberty Reservoir. Both are surface water sources.
These reservoirs collect and store water from their respective watersheds, providing fresh water for treatment and distribution to Baltimore residents.
The water is treated at the Montebello and Ashburton water treatment plants before being supplied to the city’s tap water system.
Baltimore Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Baltimore are generally safe, as they use treated municipal water meeting EPA standards.
However, maintenance and cleanliness vary, so occasional issues like contamination or mechanical problems may occur.
If concerned, users can check local health advisories or opt for bottled or filtered water instead.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Baltimore. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
- Owings Mills
(20 km)
- Washington
(57 km)
- Rosslyn
(59 km)
- Aldie
(95 km)
- Georgetown
(125 km)
- Philadelphia
(144 km)
About the Author
Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.
I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.
Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job, it's something I truly care about.