Record-only indicator: A
Not a safety rating. Missing or old measurements can produce a high score.
Coverage: 9/10 mapped systems have a dated lead result; 1/10 have copper results; 0/10 have UCMR monitoring.
| Contaminant | Reported value or bound | Historical comparison value | Interpretation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
8.5 ppbPeriod end: 12/31/2017
|
15 ppb | Largest reported value or bound among mapped systems; not necessarily the largest actual concentration. | At/below comparison value |
| Copper |
2000.0 ppbPeriod end: 06/30/1998
|
1300 ppb | Largest reported value or bound among mapped systems; not necessarily the largest actual concentration. | Above comparison value |
Public-record summary
Record-only indicator — incomplete or old records can produce a high score. A score of 100 is not a safety finding. Coverage: 9/10 mapped systems have a dated lead result; 1/10 have copper results; 0/10 have UCMR monitoring. Tap water quality in Oakland, Maryland (21550) receives an record-only indicator of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 93 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 13 points above the Maryland state average of 80. The area is served by 10 water systems providing water to approximately 5,502 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Copper that warrant attention. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 4 violations, including 2 health-based violations.
Grade A summarizes the records available to this model, not household safety. Missing, bounded or old measurements can produce a high score, including 100. Review coverage, dates and the current utility report before interpreting this indicator.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Copper can leach into water from copper plumbing, especially in newer homes or when water is acidic.
Short-term exposure above 1,300 ppb can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure may cause liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are especially vulnerable.
Copper pipes, fittings, and faucets are the most common source. Corrosive (low-pH) water accelerates copper leaching.
If copper levels are elevated, flush pipes by running water for 15–30 seconds before use. Reverse osmosis and distillation systems effectively remove copper.
Common Questions
The record-only indicator is A (93/100). It cannot determine whether your tap water is safe. Missing, bounded or old measurements can produce a high score. Check the coverage and sampling dates below and your utility's current notices.
ZIP code 21550 is served by 10 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 5,502 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.
The largest reported lead value or bound is 8.5 ppb, for the sampling period ending 12/31/2017. This is a system-level 90th-percentile record, not a measurement at your tap. Compare the sampling date and original utility report before interpreting it.
Water systems serving Oakland, Maryland have no matching PFAS monitoring result in this published dataset. This does not mean PFAS are absent — it means no data is currently available. Coverage varies by system and sampling period. You can request PFAS testing from your water utility or use a certified home test kit.
Water systems serving Oakland, Maryland have received 4 violations in the last 5 years, including 2 health-based violations. 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.
This public-record indicator cannot select household treatment. Confirm your supplier, current utility report and tap-testing results first; match any treatment to a certified contaminant-reduction claim and follow its maintenance instructions.
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