The Maryland Safe Drinking WATER Study will analyze chemicals of emerging concern (CCEs), including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as well as heavy metals like arsenic.
The Maryland Department of Health publishes a wide variety of datasets, including maps, related to drinking water and drinking water contaminants in the state. Click here to access the Maryland Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) Data Portal.
If you use municipal water, click here to see water quality reports for your locality.
PFAS
- Numerous studies have linked PFAS exposure with multiple adverse health outcomes, such as high cholesterol, thyroid disease, pregnancy- induced hypertension, ulcerative colitis, and kidney and testicular cancer. Designated as “forever chemicals”, the ability of PFAS to persist in the environment (such as in water and soil) is also responsible for the human health consequences associated with exposure. Click here to view an interactive map that depicts PFAS contamination in the US.
Coliform bacteria
13% of Marylanders who get their water from individual wells. Groundwater sampling across the state suggests that many of those well users, including those in agricultural communities, are getting a dose of bacteria with each sip. Click here to read more about research on microbiological contamination of private well water.
Nitrates
Heavy metals
The presence of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium in our drinking water systems has been a longstanding problem, with these metals linked to cancers and neurodevelopmental, cardiovascular, and renal diseases. Visit University of Maryland Extension's resource on the effects and sources of the various types of metals that may be present in drinking water.
Drinking Water in the News
State resources & guidelines for homeowners