Is Chrisfield, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Chrisfield, MD — Water Quality Report
Chrisfield's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,976 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chrisfield's water
Chrisfield ranks #12 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Chrisfield 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, Chrisfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chrisfield, MD water safe to drink?
Chrisfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,976 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chrisfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chrisfield's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chrisfield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chrisfield's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
Where does Chrisfield's water come from?
Chrisfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,976 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Chrisfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chrisfield'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSomerset 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.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chrisfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Chrisfield ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chrisfield's water comes from
Chrisfield'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,976 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Chrisfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF CRISFIELD | MD0190001 | 2,976 | GW |
How Chrisfield compares
Full Maryland rankings →Chrisfield's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chrisfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Somerset
Frequently asked questions
Is Chrisfield, MD tap water safe to drink?
Chrisfield's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #12 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Chrisfield's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Chrisfield'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 Chrisfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chrisfield's water come from?
Chrisfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,976 residents.
What health violations has Chrisfield's water system had?
Chrisfield has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chrisfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chrisfield 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 5 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 Chrisfield's water compare to other cities?
Chrisfield ranks #12 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 89% of state cities) and #2901 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chrisfield's small water system affect quality?
Chrisfield's system serves approximately 2,976 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 5 violations on record.