WaterVerge

Is Brandywine, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

780 residents served 1 water system PWSID: MD0160207
Overall Score
89 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#17 of 107 in Maryland Top 20% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89/100
waterverge.com
A- 89/100

Brandywine, MD — Water Quality Report

Brandywine's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 780 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Brandywine's water

Brandywine ranks #17 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Brandywine relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Brandywine may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Brandywine, MD water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Brandywine's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 780 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
1.5 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Brandywine

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brandywine's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4091). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3349). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brandywine's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.5 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Brandywine's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

MROther
Most recent violations:
Nov 2014 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Oct 2011 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2010 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2009 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2008 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Prince George's County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1971. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Western Branch, Piscataway Creek Trib, Piscataway Creek, Meetinghouse Branch.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4091
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3349
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA DR-4038

Where does Brandywine's water come from?

Brandywine's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 780 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Western Branch (river), Piscataway Creek Trib (river), Piscataway Creek (river), Meetinghouse Branch (river).

What Brandywine residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Brandywine's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Monitor alerts during storms

Brandywine's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.5 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 10% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

11
Total violations
0
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Nov 2014
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

11 Total
5 Active
0 Health-based
6 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
3
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
2
Inorganic Chemicals
1
Oct 2011 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Nov 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2014
Jan 2008 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Dec 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Jan 1999 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Sep 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1997
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Brandywine

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Brandywine, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
U.S. DHS FLETC CHELTENHAM MD
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
CHELTENHAM, MD20623
4.9 mi
KIRBY ROAD READY MIX CONCRETE
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · HOLCIM PARTICIPATIONS (US) INC
CLINTON, MD20735
7.1 mi
SMO CLINTON PLANT
Other · STAR GROUP LP
CLINTON, MD20735
7.1 mi
US DOD USAF JOINT BASE ANDREWS
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, MD20762
9.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Brandywine

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Prince George's County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

4
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
11.6%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
7
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Nov 2012
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Prince George's County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1971. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Nov 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4091
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3349
Oct 2011
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #4038
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #3335
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3251
Sep 2003
HURRICANE ISABEL
Hurricane FEMA #1492

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.5 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.5 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.5 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
780
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Brandywine's water comes from

Groundwater

Brandywine's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 780 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Brandywine

Brandywine is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Western Branch
river
Piscataway Creek Trib
river
Piscataway Creek
river
Meetinghouse Branch
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Brandywine

System Name PWSID Population Source
CEDARVILLE MOBILE HOME PARK MD0160207 780 GW
Regional Comparison

How Brandywine compares

Full Maryland rankings →

Brandywine's score of 89/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Brandywine (this city)
89
Laurel
95
Baltimore
39.8
Frederick
37.5
Maryland avg
60
City Profile

About Brandywine, MD

Economic Profile
$150,494
Median Income
$499,515
Median Home Value
$2,343/mo
Median Rent
6.2%
Unemployment
Community
43.1
Median Age
185
People / sq mi
39.6%
College Educated
95.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Brandywine, MD tap water safe to drink?

Brandywine's water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #17 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.

What contaminants are in Brandywine's water?

Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.

How is Brandywine's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Brandywine?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Brandywine's water come from?

Brandywine's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 780 residents.

Is Brandywine's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Brandywine uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 11 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Brandywine's water compare to other cities?

Brandywine ranks #17 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 84% of state cities) and #3134 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Brandywine's small water system affect quality?

Brandywine's system serves approximately 780 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 11 violations on record.