WaterVerge

Is Crofton, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 42 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

830 residents served 2 water systems PWSID: TX2460144
Overall Score
79.4 / 100
Violations
42 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#56 of 107 in Maryland Top 53% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
79.4/100
waterverge.com
B 79.4/100

Crofton, MD — Water Quality Report

Crofton's drinking water received a grade of B (79.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 830 residents using groundwater.

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 88 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 42 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Crofton's water

Crofton ranks #56 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Crofton 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, Crofton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
79.4 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
34.4/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 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 Crofton, MD water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Crofton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 830 residents using groundwater (wells).

42
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Crofton

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Crofton's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.4/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.

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.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Crofton's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 42 remain unresolved.

MRMONOther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Apr 2020 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2017 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2017 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Feb 2017 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Anne Arundel County has experienced 10 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 South Fork Jabez Branch, Little Patuxent River, Patuxent River, Patuxent R At Gov Bridge Natural Area Nr Bowie.

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

Where does Crofton's water come from?

Crofton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 830 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Jabez Branch (river), Little Patuxent River (river), Patuxent River (river), Patuxent R At Gov Bridge Natural Area Nr Bowie (river).

What Crofton residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Crofton'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

88
Total violations
0
Health-based
42
Active / unresolved
Oct 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

88 Total
42 Active
0 Health-based
46 Resolved
Violations by category
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
25
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
23
Total Coliform Rule
11
Revised Total Coliform Rule
8
Consumer Confidence Rule
8
Oct 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2017 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Feb 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2015 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2015 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2014 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2014 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2014 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Aug 2014 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 88 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Crofton

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
OLDCASTLE APG MID-ATLANTIC CROFTON MD
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CRH AMERICAS INC
ODENTON, MD21113
Lead compounds01.0 mi
U.S. DHS JAMES J. ROWLEY TRAINING CENTER
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
LAUREL, MD20708
9.0 mi
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY FIRING RANGE
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
FORT GEORGE G MEADE, MD20755
8.2 mi
FORT GEORGE G MEADE (RANGE)
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
FORT GEORGE G MEADE, MD20755
6.5 mi
FORT MEADE (USSS RANGE 1)
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FORT GEORGE G MEADE, MD20755
6.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Crofton

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

Charles 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)
15.4%
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

10
Declared disasters
Nov 2012
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Anne Arundel County has experienced 10 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) 0.0 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 decreased by 0.0 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
830
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Crofton's water comes from

Groundwater

Crofton'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 830 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Crofton

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

South Fork Jabez Branch
river
Little Patuxent River
river
Patuxent River
river
Patuxent R At Gov Bridge Natural Area Nr Bowie
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Crofton

System Name PWSID Population Source
SUNNY CREEK MHC TX2460144 510 GW
IDLEWOOD PARK MD0080205 320 GW
Regional Comparison

How Crofton compares

Full Maryland rankings →

Crofton's score of 79.4/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Crofton (this city)
79.4
Laurel
95
Baltimore
39.8
Frederick
37.5
Maryland avg
60
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Frequently asked questions

Is Crofton, MD tap water safe to drink?

Crofton's water quality earned a grade of B (79.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #56 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.

What contaminants are in Crofton's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.

How is Crofton'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 Crofton?

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

Where does Crofton's water come from?

Crofton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 830 residents.

Is Crofton's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Crofton 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 88 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 Crofton's water compare to other cities?

Crofton ranks #56 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 48% of state cities) and #8277 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.