Is Ellicott City, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Ellicott City, MD — Water Quality Report
Ellicott City's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 939 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 453 violations on record, including 56 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ellicott City's water
Ellicott City ranks #98 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Ellicott City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 116 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ellicott City, MD water safe to drink?
Ellicott City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 939 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ellicott City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ellicott City's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Radium-226.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Endothall, Glyphosate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4376). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4279). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ellicott City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Ellicott City's water system has 453 total violations on record, including 56 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved. 116 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Howard County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Patapsco River, East Branch Herbert Run, Red Run, Scotts Level Branch, Gwynns Falls.
Where does Ellicott City's water come from?
Ellicott City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 939 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Patapsco River (river), East Branch Herbert Run (river), Red Run (river), Scotts Level Branch (river), Gwynns Falls (river).
What Ellicott City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ellicott 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.
Ellicott 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 Ellicott City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ellicott City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 115 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
S&G CONCRETE GRANTLEY AVE. BALTIMORE, MD21215 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 113 | 9.7 mi |
TATE ACCESS FLOORS INC. JESSUP, MD20794 | Zinc compounds | 2 | 8.4 mi |
MARYLAND & VIRGINIA LAUREL LLC LAUREL, MD20723 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
CONCRETE PIPE & PRECAST LLC - JESSUP PLANT JESSUP, MD20794 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
ELITE SPICE INC. JESSUP, MD20794 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCarroll 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
Howard County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Ellicott City's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.78 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ellicott City compares by contaminant
Explore where Ellicott City ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ellicott City's water comes from
Ellicott City's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 939 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Ellicott City
Ellicott City is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Ellicott City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUTHERAN VILLAGE AT MILLER'S GRANT | MD0130007 | 315 | SWP |
| TRIPLE J MHP | PA7360055 | 200 | GW |
| ROCKBROOK VILLAGE MOBILE HOME PARK | MD0060214 | 150 | GW |
| IRISH CREEK MHP | PA3060113 | 90 | GW |
| LAKEVIEW MHP LLC | MD0060208 | 76 | GW |
| SULLIVANS MOBILE HOME PARK COMMUNITY | MD0060215 | 70 | GW |
| TAYLORSVILLE MHC, LLC | MD0060216 | 38 | GW |
How Ellicott City compares
Full Maryland rankings →Ellicott City's score of 45/100 is below the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Ellicott City, MD
Wikipedia →Ellicott City is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in, and the county seat of, Howard County, Maryland, United States. Part of the Baltimore metropolitan area, its population was 75,947 at the 2020 census, making it the most populous unincorporated county seat in the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ellicott City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Howard
Frequently asked questions
Is Ellicott City, MD tap water safe to drink?
Ellicott City's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #98 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Ellicott City's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 453 violations are on record.
How is Ellicott 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 Ellicott City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ellicott City's water come from?
Ellicott City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 939 residents.
What health violations has Ellicott City's water system had?
Ellicott City has 56 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 57 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ellicott City's water compare to other cities?
Ellicott City ranks #98 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 8% of state cities) and #14298 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.