Bel Air, Maryland’s
Home for Water Softeners,
Water Filters, and Water Delivery

Yes. Bel Air drinking water, supplied by Maryland American Water and Harford County DPW, both reported that Bel Air’s drinking water met all federal and state drinking water requirements. However, meeting regulatory standards does not mean the water is free from all contaminants. The report detected nitrate, fluoride, chlorine, lead, copper, PFAS compounds, disinfection byproducts, and naturally occurring minerals. Many homeowners choose additional water treatment to reduce contaminants and improve taste, odor, and overall water quality.

Bel Air’s water comes from several sources, including Winters Run, a local reservoir, two groundwater wells, and supplemental treated water purchased from Harford County when needed. The Winters Run watershed covers approximately 35 square miles and includes a significant amount of agricultural land.

Yes. The Maryland Department of the Environment’s Source Water Assessment found that the Winters Run source is potentially susceptible to contamination from transportation spills, roadway runoff, parking lots, and agricultural activities within the watershed. Like many surface water systems, the quality of source water can be influenced by surrounding land use and environmental conditions.

No. Maryland American Water reported that Bel Air met all state and federal drinking water requirements. The report did not identify any drinking water violations or exceedances of primary drinking water standards.

Yes. UCMR5 monitoring detected several PFAS compounds within portions of the Bel Air water system. The highest reported results included PFOA at 7.6 ppt, PFOS at 7.3 ppt, PFHxA at 8.1 ppt, PFPeA at 8.9 ppt, PFBA at 7.5 ppt, PFBS at 5.7 ppt, and PFHpA at 2.1 ppt in the Bynum Well source area. PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they can persist in the environment for long periods. Many homeowners choose reverse osmosis systems to help reduce PFAS in drinking water.

Yes. Bel Air reported nitrate levels ranging from 1.72 ppm to 3.87 ppm depending on the water source. All results were below the federal drinking water standard of 10 ppm. Nitrate commonly enters water supplies through fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and natural deposits. Some homeowners choose additional filtration for added peace of mind, particularly households with infants and young children.

The most recent Bel Air Water Quality Report did not report arsenic detections in the active water sources serving Bel Air. No arsenic results were listed among the regulated contaminants detected during the reporting period.

Yes. Fluoride was detected in Bel Air’s water supply, with reported levels ranging up to 0.66 ppm. Maryland American Water also notes that fluoride is adjusted within portions of the system to support dental health. Some homeowners prefer additional control over fluoride levels and choose reverse osmosis systems for drinking water treatment.

Yes. Bel Air reported total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) at 64.7 ppb and haloacetic acids (HAA5s) at 58.3 ppb. Both were below federal drinking water standards but are common byproducts that form when disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in source water. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these compounds as well as chlorine taste and odor.

Chlorine is added to disinfect drinking water and protect against harmful bacteria and other microorganisms as water moves through the distribution system. Bel Air reported a running annual average chlorine level of 1.8 ppm. While chlorine plays an important role in public health protection, some homeowners choose filtration systems to reduce chlorine taste and odor.

The most recent Water Quality Report does not include a hardness measurement. Because Bel Air uses a combination of surface water and groundwater sources, hardness levels can vary throughout the service area. A local water test is the best way to determine the hardness level in your home and whether a water softener may be beneficial.

Bel Air reported a 90th percentile lead level of 2 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. No homes exceeded the lead action level during the most recent testing period. Lead typically enters drinking water through household plumbing materials rather than the source water itself. Because plumbing conditions vary between homes, some residents choose certified drinking water filtration systems for added protection.

Bel Air reported a 90th percentile copper level of 0.169 ppm, below the EPA action level of 1.3 ppm. Copper commonly enters drinking water through household plumbing and fixtures. While the reported level met drinking water standards, testing can help determine whether plumbing-related metals are present in a specific home’s water supply.

You can access the most recent Bel Air Water Quality Report through the local water provider. Culligan Mid-Atlantic can also test your home’s tap water and help explain what may be coming from local groundwater sources, surface water influence, water treatment conditions, and your household plumbing.