Tap water quality for ZIP 21205
1 community water system linked to this ZIP, largest first.
What this means for you in ZIP 21205
- Is it safe to drink right now?
- Based on the latest EPA data, Baltimore City Department of Public Works has no unresolved health-based violations from the past year. Water that meets federal standards is generally considered safe to drink for most healthy people.
- Should I use a filter?
- It's worth considering. Baltimore City Department of Public Works has a D because of its violation record over the past 5 years (3 health-based), even though nothing is flagged as unresolved in the last year. A filter matched to the contaminants in its violation history is a reasonable precaution.
- What kind of filter?
- See matched standards and product picks.
This is general information from public EPA data, not medical advice. Lead often comes from a home’s own pipes, so only a test of your tap can tell your exposure. If you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor or health department.
Filters matched to Baltimore City Department of Public Works
FILTER PICKS
Look for filters certified (NSF, IAPMO or WQA) to these standards for the specific contaminant. Buttons open the maker’s page or an Amazon search; use “Check NSF listing” to verify a model’s claims. No affiliate links yet — grades are never sold.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
NSF/ANSI 53 (VOC claim)Carbon block undersink (VOC claim) ~$80–150
Choose a filter whose NSF/ANSI 53 certificate lists VOCs / TTHM.
Search on Amazon → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Coliform/E. coli
NSF/ANSI 55 Class A (UV)Boil water notice—follow utilityClass A UV disinfection system ~$100–400
Only after any boil-water notice is lifted; UV does not remove chemicals.
Search on Amazon → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Chlorine/chloramine taste
NSF/ANSI 42Aquasana Clean Water Pitcher ~$35
Pitcher for chlorine taste/odor; check the NSF/ANSI 42 listing for the exact model.
Search on Amazon → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Brita Elite Filter ~$20–40
Common faucet/pitcher option; confirm the 42 claim on the box.
View on Brita → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Annual water quality report
Read Baltimore City Department of Public Works’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — the utility’s own annual water quality report. · Full report →
Water systems for this ZIP
D
Baltimore City Department of Public Works
Serves 1,600,000 people · Surface water · Full report →
3 health-based violations in the last 5 years; 7 monitoring/reporting violations; PFAS tested (UCMR 5), none above federal limits; Lead 90th percentile below the action level (2024).
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