Is Silver Spring, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, Silver Spring tap water is safe to drink. Hardness is low at 55 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here don't need treatment.
Hardness Scale: Where Silver Spring Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Silver Spring Compares
Silver Spring's water is 60% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 68% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within Maryland, it ranks #11 of 15 cities (18% below the state average of 67 PPM). Among smaller cities, Silver Spring ranks #160 of 288 for hardness.
What Silver Spring's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 55 PPM - Low Concern
Silver Spring's water is slightly hard at 55 PPM. Most households won't notice any issues at this level. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would be overkill. If you're thinking about water treatment, contaminant filtration is where to focus your money, not softening.
Contaminants & Safety
Lead levels deserve attention. At 6 ppb, Silver Spring is above the ideal of zero, though below the EPA action level of 15 ppb (dropping to 10 ppb in November 2027 under the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements). The lead typically comes from aging service lines or interior plumbing, not the treatment plant. A point-of-use filter certified for lead at the kitchen faucet is a practical safeguard, especially in older homes.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 55 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 85 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | Not tested | — | No total limit | N/A |
| Lead | 6 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ⚠ Elevated |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 0.6 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | Not reported | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | N/A |
How to Test Your Water in Silver Spring
Lead enters water from your home's plumbing, not the treatment plant — so Silver Spring's city-wide average of 6 ppb may not match your tap. Testing your specific faucet is the only way to know. Run cold water for 30 seconds before collecting a sample.
Free option: Request WSSC Water's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
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About Silver Spring's Water Supply
Water Utility: WSSC Water
Water Source: Potomac River (Surface Water)
Population Served: 1,248
Hardness: 55 PPM (3.2 grains per gallon)
Silver Spring's drinking water comes from surface sources — Potomac River. Surface water requires more extensive treatment than groundwater, including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. This heavier chlorination is why disinfection byproducts tend to be higher in surface-supplied systems. On the upside, surface sources often deliver softer water than deep aquifers. The system serves 1,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request WSSC Water's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or test your own tap.
ZIP Codes Covered by This Report
This water quality data applies to all areas served by WSSC Water in Silver Spring, MD, including ZIP codes:
20704, 20705, 20737, 20740, 20742, 20768, 20770, 20771, 20782, 20783, 20787, 20788, 20810, 20811, 20814, 20815, 20824, 20825, 20866, 20868, 20891, 20892, 20895, 20896, 20901, 20902, 20903, 20904, 20905, 20906, 20907, 20908, 20910, 20911, 20912, 20913, 20914, 20915, 20916, 20918, 20993, 20997
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Silver Spring to Other Maryland Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Silver Spring Water
Is Silver Spring tap water safe to drink?
Where does Silver Spring's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Silver Spring?
What water filter is best for Silver Spring?
Is Silver Spring water safe for babies and infants?
Can I drink Silver Spring tap water straight from the faucet?
Data sources: Lead and copper data from EPA Safe Drinking Water Act LCR reporting. Contaminant data from utility-reported testing results. PFAS data from EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025). Hardness from USGS and municipal reports. Data reflects system-level testing results and may not match your specific tap due to neighborhood plumbing, season, or recent utility changes. For your utility's latest results, request their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Our methodology. Last updated: 2026-02-24.
What Silver Spring Homeowners Actually Buy
Common purchases for homes with 55 PPM water.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Silver Spring's water data.