C
64

Fair Water Quality

Aberdeen, MD 21001

Harford County · Population served: 122,573 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
CITY OF ABERDEEN
Surface water · Pop. 18,006
PWSID: MD0120001
🏔
HARFORD COUNTY D.P.W.
Surface water · Pop. 104,567
PWSID: MD0120016

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

8 detected 2 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBA9.4 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFPeA8.7 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFOS8.6 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFHxA8.2 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFOA7.6 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFHxS5.8 ppt10 ppt10 pptBelow limit
PFBS4.5 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit
PFHpA4.3 pptNo standardUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

8Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
8Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Aberdeen

Tap water quality in Aberdeen, Maryland (21001) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 64 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 13 points below the Maryland state average of 77. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 122,573 people, using surface water sources. Notably, 2 PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals.

Your Score 64/100 C
vs State 13 pts below Maryland avg (77)
vs National 11 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade C Means

A score of 64/100 indicates fair water quality in Aberdeen, MD. While the water meets minimum federal standards, there are noteworthy concerns — either elevated contaminant levels approaching regulatory limits, a moderate violation history, or both. Residents may want to review specific contaminant data and consider targeted filtration, especially for sensitive groups like children and pregnant women.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Aberdeen, Maryland receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 64/100. While it generally meets minimum federal standards, there are some areas of concern including violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, elderly) may want to consider additional filtration.

ZIP code 21001 is served by 2 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 122,573 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 21001. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.

Yes — 8 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Aberdeen, Maryland, and 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.

Water systems serving Aberdeen, Maryland have received 8 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (PFAS), residents in Aberdeen, Maryland should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

Explore Nearby

Water Quality in Nearby ZIP Codes