Is Glen Arm, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 34 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.3/100
waterverge.com Glen Arm, MD — Water Quality Report
Glen Arm's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 818 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 92 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glen Arm's water
Glen Arm ranks #82 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Glen Arm relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Glen Arm may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glen Arm, MD water safe to drink?
Glen Arm's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 818 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Glen Arm
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glen Arm's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.3/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4376). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4091). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Glen Arm's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Glen Arm's water system has 92 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Baltimore County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Winters Run, Plumtree Run, Gunpowder Falls, Long Quarter Branch, Minebank Run.
Where does Glen Arm's water come from?
Glen Arm's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 818 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Winters Run (river), Plumtree Run (river), Gunpowder Falls (river), Long Quarter Branch (river), Minebank Run (river).
What Glen Arm residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glen Arm's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Glen Arm's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtAnne Arundel County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Baltimore County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Glen Arm compares by contaminant
Explore where Glen Arm ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glen Arm's water comes from
Glen Arm's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 818 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Glen Arm
Glen Arm is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Glen Arm
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLEN MEADOWS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY | MD0030208 | 468 | GU |
| SUMMERHILL MOBILE HOME PARK | MD0020221 | 350 | GW |
How Glen Arm compares
Full Maryland rankings →Glen Arm's score of 66.3/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Glen Arm, MD
Wikipedia →Glen Arm is an unincorporated community in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States. Glen Arm lies along what is now Glen Arm Road, which was once part of Old Harford Road, one of the early routes used for conveying agricultural products from parts of Harford and Baltimore Counties and southern Pennsylvania to the port of Baltimore. Glen Arm was also served until 1958 by the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1921, at the railroad's crossing of Glen Arm Road, what generally is recognized as the nation's first train-actuated railroad crossing signal was installed by the railroad's Superintendent of Signals Charles Adler, Jr. Adler later designed early traffic-actuated traffic lights for the City of Baltimore, and also invented the system of flashing warning lights used on aircraft.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glen Arm's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Baltimore
Frequently asked questions
Is Glen Arm, MD tap water safe to drink?
Glen Arm's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #82 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Glen Arm's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 92 violations are on record.
How is Glen Arm's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Glen Arm?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glen Arm's water come from?
Glen Arm's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 818 residents.
What health violations has Glen Arm's water system had?
Glen Arm has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 34 violations remain unresolved.
Is Glen Arm's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Glen Arm uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 92 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Glen Arm's water compare to other cities?
Glen Arm ranks #82 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 23% of state cities) and #11390 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.