Cambridge, Maryland’s Home for
Water Softeners, Water Filters,
& Water Delivery

Yes. Cambridge’s drinking water meets federal and state drinking water standards. The city completes required testing for regulated contaminants, and results are reviewed to confirm compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

Cambridge’s water supply comes from 10 wells drawing from three aquifers: the Piney Point, Magothy, and Patapsco (Raritan) aquifers. The city operates multiple wells to meet demand, with additional wells kept in reserve.

Cambridge treats well water with a straightforward process. Raw water is drawn from wells, sent through aeration (which supports oxidation of naturally occurring iron), then moved to a holding tank where chlorine is added for disinfection. Water is pumped to sanitized storage towers and distributed throughout the system. Certified operators monitor sampling points year-round to confirm water quality.

Yes. Cambridge uses chlorine to control microbes and protect water quality through distribution. Chlorine levels vary throughout the system, which is normal for a disinfected public water supply.

Yes. Cambridge’s water contains fluoride at levels that remain below the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4.0 ppm.

Cambridge’s supply is groundwater from aquifers, and mineral content can vary by well and location in the distribution system. If you’re seeing scale buildup, spotty glassware, reduced soap lather, or stiff laundry, a quick in-home test is the most reliable way to confirm hardness at your address.

Yes. Like most disinfected water systems, Cambridge can form disinfection byproducts when disinfectant interacts with naturally occurring organic material. Cambridge tests for these compounds, including Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5). These results remain within regulatory limits.

Lead in drinking water usually comes from service lines and household plumbing, not the groundwater source itself. Cambridge completes required lead monitoring and provides guidance for reducing potential exposure at the tap.

If you have older plumbing, run cold water for a few minutes before drinking or cooking, especially after water has sat in the pipes for several hours. Use only cold water for cooking and mixing infant formula. A certified point-of-use filter can also help reduce lead at the tap.

Cambridge tests for arsenic, and results remain below the EPA maximum contaminant level of 10 ppb.

Yes. Cambridge tests for nitrate as part of routine compliance monitoring. Nitrate results are tracked to confirm the water stays within regulatory standards.

Yes. Cambridge monitors for radionuclides as required. Testing includes items such as beta/photon activity and combined radium to confirm levels remain within compliance standards.

In addition to regulated contaminants, Cambridge also reports certain water characteristics and monitored substances that may not have a federal maximum contaminant level in the table. These can include items such as sodium, lithium, and nickel. Tracking these helps provide a fuller picture of overall water quality and system characteristics.

Cambridge includes PFAS context and monitoring information in its water-quality communications. If PFAS results are published for the system, they’re typically listed in a dedicated PFAS section or supplemental monitoring update.

Even when water meets safety standards, many households choose extra treatment for day-to-day comfort and appliance protection. A water softener can help reduce mineral-related scale and extend the life of water-using appliances.. A drinking water filter (like reverse osmosis at the sink) can improve taste and reduce a wider range of trace compounds.

Cambridge uses certified operators and routine sampling throughout treatment and distribution. Samples are analyzed to confirm compliance, and results are reported through required regulatory channels.

You can access the most recent Cambridge Tap Water Quality Report here.