Cockeysville, Maryland’s
Home for Water Softeners,
Water Filters, and Water Delivery

Yes. Cockeysville receives drinking water from Baltimore City’s regional water system, which met federal and state drinking water standards. However, like most public water supplies, the water contains detectable levels of contaminants including PFAS compounds, nitrate, fluoride, chlorine, lead, copper, arsenic, disinfection byproducts, and naturally occurring minerals. Many homeowners choose additional water treatment for added control over what remains in their drinking water.

Cockeysville receives drinking water from Baltimore City’s water system. The primary source is surface water collected from rainfall and snowmelt and stored in Liberty Reservoir, Loch Raven Reservoir, and Prettyboy Reservoir. Water is treated at the Ashburton and Montebello filtration plants before being distributed throughout Baltimore County communities, including Cockeysville.

Yes. Like all surface water systems, Baltimore’s reservoir system can be influenced by stormwater runoff, agricultural activity, wildlife, naturally occurring minerals, and other environmental factors. Extensive watershed protection efforts help preserve water quality before treatment, but source water remains vulnerable to contamination from activities occurring throughout the watershed.

No. Baltimore City’s most recent Consumer Confidence Report reported no violations for regulated contaminants detected in the drinking water supply. All contaminant levels remained below applicable federal drinking water standards.

Yes. Baltimore’s most recent testing detected several PFAS compounds. PFOA was detected up to 2.17 ppt, PFOS up to 2.43 ppt, PFBS up to 1.64 ppt, and PFHxS up to 2.45 ppt. These levels were below current EPA drinking water standards. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they can persist in the environment and human body for long periods. Many homeowners choose reverse osmosis systems to help reduce PFAS in drinking water.

Yes. Baltimore reported nitrate levels ranging from 1.58 ppm to 1.70 ppm depending on the treatment plant. These levels were below the federal drinking water standard of 10 ppm. Nitrate commonly enters source water through fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and natural deposits.

Yes. Baltimore reported arsenic detections below 3 ppb. This is below the EPA drinking water standard of 10 ppb. Arsenic can occur naturally as groundwater and surface water interact with rocks and soil formations.

Yes. Fluoride was detected at levels ranging from approximately 0.83 ppm to 1.17 ppm. Baltimore adds fluoride during treatment to support dental health. Some homeowners choose reverse osmosis systems when they want additional control over fluoride levels in drinking water.

Yes. Baltimore reported total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) at 72 ppb and haloacetic acids (HAA5s) at 54 ppb. These compounds form when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in source water. Both levels were below federal drinking water standards. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these compounds as well as chlorine taste and odor.

Baltimore uses chlorine to disinfect drinking water and protect against harmful bacteria and microorganisms throughout the distribution system. The system reported an annual average chlorine residual of approximately 0.46 ppm. While chlorine is an important part of the treatment process, some homeowners prefer filtration systems to reduce chlorine taste and odor.

Baltimore City’s Consumer Confidence Report does not provide a hardness measurement. Because Cockeysville receives treated surface water from Baltimore’s reservoir system, hardness levels are generally lower than many groundwater-based systems. A local water test is the best way to determine the hardness level in your home.

Lead was detected at a 90th percentile level of 2.74 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. No violations were reported. Lead typically enters drinking water through household plumbing materials rather than the source water itself. Because plumbing conditions vary between homes, many residents choose certified drinking water filtration systems for additional protection.

Copper was reported at a 90th percentile level of 112 ppb (0.112 ppm), below the EPA action level of 1.3 ppm. Copper commonly enters drinking water through household plumbing and fixtures. While the reported levels 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 Cockeysville 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.