Industrial Toxins
A lot of the pollution in Baltimore is invisible until it causes problems like fish kills and algae blooms. Our regular testing and data collection program allows us to track water quality and react quickly to any changes.
Chemicals from Baltimore’s history as an industrial center and from current-day operations contribute to the current state of our waterways.
Lead Paint Contamination
We are especially concerned right now with the deterioration of lead-based paint on bridges across the Baltimore region. In February of 2026, Blue Water Baltimore was alerted to peeling paint falling from the 28th Street bridge over the Jones Falls. Independent testing, later verified by the Maryland Department of the Environment, confirmed very high levels of lead and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in the paint.
Lead and PCBs are both systemic toxins that can cause serious diseases, and both stay in the environment for a very long time, including building up in fish and other food products. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, and paint chips can be tracked indoors on pets’ paws and shoes.
Blue Water Baltimore has confirmed lead paint falling from at least 5 other bridges across Baltimore City and County, and is advocating for cleanup by the responsible government agencies, although response has been slow.
You can help!
Be on the lookout for paint peeling from any metal structures and report it to us right away.
News Coverage
Flaking orange paint from the 28th Street Bridge is littering Falls Road and the Jones Falls (Baltimore Brew, 2/7/26)
State cites Baltimore over lead-contaminated orange paint chips falling from city bridge (Baltimore Banner, 2/20/26)
Lessons learned from falling paint chips | EDITORIAL (Baltimore Sun, 3/11/26)
Lead paint cleanup on Baltimore bridges will take years, delayed by contractor shortage (Baltimore Sun, 4/12/26)
How water contamination harms Baltimore
Nutrients
Phosphorous, nitrates, and other nutrients can lead to harmful algae blooms and oxygen-deprived “dead zones” in waterways. These come from pet waste, sewage, and fertilizers washed into waterways by stormwater.
Stormwater
Every time it rains, trash, bacteria, heavy metals, and other pollutants are washed from city streets and roofs into local streams and the harbor.
Sewage
Baltimore’s aging sanitary sewer system causes millions of gallons of raw sewage to enter our waterways each year.
Current Water Conditions
Each year, Blue Water Baltimore collects and synthesizes tens of thousands of individual data points collected at dozens of sites to score the health of our regional waterways. Blue Water Baltimore follows guidance from the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) to determine if a site is meeting state-mandated water quality standards at any given time.
Take a stand against Baltimore water contamination
Baltimore Harbor Waterkeepers focus on strengthening and maintaining clean water laws and regulations related to toxic pollutants and other contaminants capable of compromising the health of the Baltimore Harbor.
The work is done by engaging in policy and regulatory processes, as well as conducting outreach, research, and education. When necessary, we litigate on behalf of clean water and the laws intended to protect it.
View local water quality at the Baltimore Harbor Water Alert.
Learn about and Report Pollution through our website.
Become a Volunteer to restore your neighborhood streams.
Engage in Advocacy to influence clean water issues.
Trash in the water
Baltimore improves one neighborhood at a time
Green stormwater infrastructure is a cost-effective way to combat stormwater runoff and pollution. Green roofs, rain gardens, and pervious pavement are all examples of green stormwater infrastructure.
Here’s how to get involved to remedy and stop water contamination
Stay Informed
Join our mailing list to get updated information on water qualities, on opportunities for making impact, and for special invitations to local events.
Volunteer with us
Meet new people, explore Baltimore, and lend a helping hand as a Blue Water Baltimore volunteer to protect and improve our city!
Become a member
A donation of any size makes you a member of Blue Water Baltimore and part of our fight for clean water and strong communities.
Measuring & Mapping the health of Baltimore’s waterways
Baltimore Water Watch
Each year, Blue Water Baltimore collects and synthesizes tens of thousands of individual data points in order to score the health of our regional waterways.
Every indicator we track is equally important; from the Dissolved Oxygen content in the Inner Harbor to the Conductivity levels in the Towson Run, each measurement has a story to tell about the ecology of our streams, rivers, and harbor – and the pollutants degrading them.
The long-term dataset that Blue Water Baltimore has been building since 2013 is used by academic institutions, state regulators, local law-makers, and members of the public to make informed decisions about our waterways.
It’s also the scientific backbone of the restoration, advocacy, outreach, and education work we conduct year-round.
