Is Chesapeake City, 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 ↓
87.8/100
waterverge.com Chesapeake City, MD — Water Quality Report
Chesapeake City's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 673 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chesapeake City's water
Chesapeake City ranks #20 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Chesapeake City purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Chesapeake City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chesapeake City, MD water safe to drink?
Chesapeake City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 673 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chesapeake City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chesapeake City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4091). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3349). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chesapeake City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chesapeake City's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Cecil County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Christina River, Silver Lake Tributary, Big Elk Creek.
Where does Chesapeake City's water come from?
Chesapeake City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 673 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Christina River (river), Silver Lake Tributary (river), Big Elk Creek (river).
What Chesapeake City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chesapeake City's water.
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.
Chesapeake City'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Chesapeake City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chesapeake City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
COLONIAL METALS INC ELKTON, MD21921 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
TERUMO MEDICAL CORP ELKTON, MD21921 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
W L GORE & ASSOCIATES INC ELKTON, MD21921 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES INC - LOVETT I ELKTON, MD21921 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
ROGERS CORP - BEAR BEAR, DE19701 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Chesapeake City
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.
- HARVEY KNOTT DRUM INC3.9 mi
- DWYER PROPERTY GROUND WATER PLUME6.1 mi
- SAND GRAVEL AND STONE7.6 mi
- ORDNANCE PRODUCTS INC9.3 mi
- DELAWARE CITY PVC PLANT9.6 mi
+ 1 more site
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCecil 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Cecil County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chesapeake City compares by contaminant
Explore where Chesapeake City ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chesapeake City's water comes from
Chesapeake City purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Chesapeake City's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 673 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Chesapeake City
Chesapeake City is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chesapeake City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF CHESAPEAKE CITY [FORMERLY SOUTH] | MD0070006 | 673 | GWP |
How Chesapeake City compares
Full Maryland rankings →Chesapeake City's score of 87.8/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Chesapeake City, MD
Wikipedia →Chesapeake City is a town in Cecil County, Maryland, United States. The population was 736 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chesapeake City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cecil
Frequently asked questions
Is Chesapeake City, MD tap water safe to drink?
Chesapeake City's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #20 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Chesapeake City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Chesapeake City'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 Chesapeake City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chesapeake City's water come from?
Chesapeake City's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 673 residents.
Is Chesapeake City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chesapeake City 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 12 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 Chesapeake City's water compare to other cities?
Chesapeake City ranks #20 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 81% of state cities) and #3846 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chesapeake City's small water system affect quality?
Chesapeake City's system serves approximately 673 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 12 violations on record.