Overview

The city’s water system brings clean water to your home and takes dirty water away. We take care of three kinds of water:

Drinking Water
This is cleaned and tested to make sure it’s safe.

Wastewater
This comes from sinks, toilets, and showers. The city cleans it before putting it back into nature.

Stormwater
This is rain or melted snow that flows off streets. The city manages it so it doesn’t cause floods or pollution.

Baltimore city downtown skyline

Drinking Water

The city works hard to make sure your drinking water is safe and clean. Here’s what you need to know:

Monthly Water Quality Testing

We test drinking water to make sure it is safe. Find out how we check the water and what we do to keep it clean.
View Routine Quality Testing

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Drinking Water

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are chemicals that can sometimes be in the water. We explain how they can affect water and what the city is doing to fix it.
Understanding Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Annual Water Quality Report

The Water Quality Report shares important information about your drinking water, including test results and safety measures. Learn how we ensure your water is clean and safe to use.
Check Quality Reports

Responsible Boating on Baltimore’s Reservoirs

Learn how to apply for a permit to boat on Liberty or Prettyboy Reservoirs, and follow the rules to help protect our water sources.
Get Your Boating Permit

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Your Drinking Water
Header Text: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) are byproducts that can form when chlorine used to disinfect drinking water reacts with naturally occurring organic matter. Learn how TTHMs form and how DPW monitors and manages them to protect drinking water quality.

Understanding Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Water Project History

The City of Baltimore supplies drinking water to 1.8 million people in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area and maintains 3,800 miles of water mains, 67,500 valves and 23,000 fire hydrants. Take a look at our past and current water projects. 

View Projects
image of bridge going over water

Wastewater

Wastewater is the water that leaves our homes and businesses, and it must be carefully treated to protect public health and the environment. Learn how the city manages wastewater, from collection and treatment to the facilities and efforts that keep our water clean. 

Learn How We Manage Wastewater
aerial shot of waste water management

Stormwater

Want to know how we’re keeping Baltimore’s waterways clean? Learn about the steps we are taking to reduce flooding, add green spaces, and fix up local streams and the Harbor.

How We Manage Stormwater

Baltimore’s Water System and Services

Baltimore’s water system is old, with many of our water pipes (called mains) being over 100 years old. While age doesn’t always mean the pipes are bad, some need to be replaced or fixed to keep the water flowing properly.

Water Main Repairs

Ground shifts and freeze-thaw cycles can break pipes, especially in winter. Our crews work 24/7 in all weather to fix them and keep your water clean.

Where Are Water Main Repairs Happening?

Use our map to see water main repairs near you and when service will be back.

Need a Fire Flow Test?

A fire flow test checks water flow for fire protection. Engineers, contractors, and insurers often request them, and it’s easy to request one.