Is Salem, DC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83.4/100
waterverge.com Salem, DC — Water Quality Report
Salem's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 900 residents using groundwater.
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 45 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Salem's water
Salem ranks #3 out of 6 cities in District of Columbia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Salem 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, Salem may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Salem, DC water safe to drink?
Salem's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 900 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Salem
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Salem's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Salem's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Salem's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Salem's water come from?
Salem's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 900 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Dead Run (river), Potomac River (river), Rock Creek (river), Luzon Branch Above Rock Creek At Washington (river), Paint Branch (river).
What Salem residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Salem'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Salem's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.68 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Salem compares by contaminant
Explore where Salem ranks among all District of Columbia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Salem's water comes from
Salem'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 federal ownership and serves approximately 900 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Salem
Salem is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Salem
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIE CHEMAWA INDIAN SCHOOL | 104101132 | 900 | GW |
How Salem compares
Full District of Columbia rankings →Salem's score of 83.4/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major District of Columbia cities. It outscores 3 of 5 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View District of Columbia rankings →About Salem, DC
Wikipedia →Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia and commonly known as simply Washington or D.C., is the capital city and federal district of the United States. The city is on the Potomac River across from Virginia and shares land borders with Maryland to its north and east. It was named after George Washington, a Founding Father and the first president of the United States. The district is named for Columbia, the female personification of the nation, through which human form and attributes are applied to the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Salem's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Salem, DC tap water safe to drink?
Salem's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #3 out of 6 cities tested in District of Columbia.
What contaminants are in Salem's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.
How is Salem'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 Salem?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Salem's water come from?
Salem's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 900 residents.
What health violations has Salem's water system had?
Salem has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Salem's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Salem 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 45 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 Salem's water compare to other cities?
Salem ranks #3 out of 6 cities in District of Columbia (better than 50% of state cities) and #6464 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Salem's small water system affect quality?
Salem's system serves approximately 900 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 45 violations on record.