21742
Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, MD
Washington County · Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV metro area
CITY OF HAGERSTOWN

Is Fountainhead-Orchard Hills tap water safe to drink?

Some concern
Last tested: December 2024
Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data. Last tested December 2024.
City:
CDPs:
Townships:
  • District 9, Leitersburg, MD
  • District 18, Chewsville, MD
  • District 27, Fountain Head, MD
Neighborhoods:
  • Potomac Heights
  • Hamilton Park
  • Carroll Heights
  • Hyde Park
  • Woodlands
  • Frederick Manor

The short answer for Fountainhead-Orchard Hills

Fountainhead-Orchard Hills tap water has 1 detected contaminant, currently below EPA limits (tested December 2024). 8:2 FTS measured closest to the threshold. See the full compound-by-compound report.

The health risk for Fountainhead-Orchard Hills

PFAS traces were detected in local water tests, though levels are currently below EPA limits. Since no amount of PFAS is considered completely safe by health researchers, a certified filter adds a meaningful layer of protection, especially for children.
  • PFAS or other chemicals detected; no confirmed exceedances in multiple samples.
8:2 FTS concentration (µg/L) December 2024
0 µg/L 0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L
0.005 µg/L
Detected
µg/L
0.005 µg/L
EPA limit
guideline
100% of limit
Comparison
vs. guideline
EPA limit: 0.005 µg/L | Your water: 0.005 µg/L
Add a Layer of Protection for Fountainhead-Orchard Hills Tap Water

8:2 FTS (a PFAS 'forever chemical') was detected below EPA limits. A certified filter can still add an extra layer of protection.

Water filter recommendation for Fountainhead-Orchard Hills tap water: Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
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Most elevated compounds
Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
8:2 FTS
Tested: December 2024 · R.C. Willson Filter Plant		 0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L 100% of limit
View all tested compounds

R.C. Willson Filter Plant · Tested: December 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
8:2 FTS 0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L 100% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxA <0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFOS <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Water utilities serving ZIP 21742

Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.

Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline. Outlines appear when service-area boundary data is available for this ZIP.

Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP 21742 Tap Water

What's in ZIP 21742 tap water?

ZIP 21742 has 1 detected contaminant below EPA limits in this dataset. 8:2 FTS measured closest to its guideline.

Will boiling ZIP 21742 tap water remove 8:2 FTS?

Boiling tap water can kill many pathogens, but it does not remove most chemical contaminants tracked in EPA monitoring. Several dissolved contaminants can even concentrate as water evaporates. For the chemical contaminants reported in ZIP 21742, a certified filter is more reliable.

Do basic pitcher filters remove 8:2 FTS?

Basic pitcher filters are typically rated for chlorine, taste, and odor (NSF/ANSI 42), not for the broader list of contaminants tracked in EPA monitoring. Match the certification (NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, or P473) to the specific compounds listed in this report before assuming a filter helps.

Who provides tap water in ZIP 21742?

Public records identify CITY OF HAGERSTOWN as a primary water system associated with ZIP 21742. Service boundaries can vary by address, so confirm exact service with the utility.

When was ZIP 21742 tap water last tested?

The most recent test date used in this report is December 2024. EnviroClarity last refreshed this page on 2026-05-05.

Where can I find the official water quality report for ZIP 21742?

Every U.S. public water system is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Contact CITY OF HAGERSTOWN or visit their website for the latest official report covering ZIP 21742. The EPA also maintains a national CCR locator.

Primary source EPA UCMR5 (2023-2025)
Guideline source EPA drinking water standard (8:2 FTS: 0,005 µg/L)
Last tested December 2024
Last page update 2026-05-05

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    Data reflects publicly reported utility records from EPA datasets and local utility disclosures. This information is educational and not medical advice.

    Filter Fountainhead-Orchard Hills tap water → see certified options