Is Timonium, MD 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 ↓
83.3/100
waterverge.com Timonium, MD — Water Quality Report
Timonium's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,373 residents using purchased surface water.
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 14 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Timonium's water
Timonium ranks #37 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Timonium may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Timonium, MD water safe to drink?
Timonium's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,373 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Timonium
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Timonium's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4376). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4091). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Timonium'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
Timonium's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
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 Gunpowder Falls, Piney Run, Western Run, Pond Branch, Baisman Run.
Where does Timonium's water come from?
Timonium's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,373 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Gunpowder Falls (river), Piney Run (river), Western Run (river), Pond Branch (river), Baisman Run (river).
What Timonium residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Timonium'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.
Timonium'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Timonium
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Timonium, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 113 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
S&G CONCRETE GRANTLEY AVE. BALTIMORE, MD21215 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 113 | 8.4 mi |
TEXTRON SYSTEMS COCKEYSVILLE, MD21030 | — | — | 2.6 mi |
MARYLAND PAVING INC COCKEYSVILLE, MD21030 | — | — | 2.6 mi |
NOXELL CORP HUNT VALLEY, MD21030 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
BW PAPERSYSTEMS COCKEYSVILLE, MD21030 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBaltimore 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Timonium'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. | 1.94 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Timonium compares by contaminant
Explore where Timonium ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Timonium's water comes from
Timonium's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,373 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Timonium
Timonium is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Timonium
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STELLA MARIS | MD0030212 | 873 | SWP |
| CRYSTAL BEACH MANOR/T&C UTILITY | MD0070008 | 500 | GW |
How Timonium compares
Full Maryland rankings →Timonium's score of 83.3/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Timonium, MD
Wikipedia →Timonium is a census-designated place (CDP) in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States. As of the 2020 census, it has a population of 10,458. Prior to 2010 the area was part of the Lutherville-Timonium CDP.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Timonium's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Baltimore
Frequently asked questions
Is Timonium, MD tap water safe to drink?
Timonium's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #37 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Timonium's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Timonium'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 Timonium?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Timonium's water come from?
Timonium's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,373 residents.
What health violations has Timonium's water system had?
Timonium has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Timonium's water compare to other cities?
Timonium ranks #37 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 65% of state cities) and #6498 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.