Is Emmitsburg, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.9/100
waterverge.com Emmitsburg, MD — Water Quality Report
Emmitsburg's drinking water received a grade of B (75.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,300 residents using surface 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 83 violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Emmitsburg's water
Emmitsburg ranks #62 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it below average 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Emmitsburg, MD water safe to drink?
Emmitsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,300 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Emmitsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Emmitsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Emmitsburg'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
Emmitsburg's water system has 83 total violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Frederick 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 Monocacy River, Big Pipe Creek.
Where does Emmitsburg's water come from?
Emmitsburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,300 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Monocacy River (river), Big Pipe Creek (river).
What Emmitsburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Emmitsburg'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.
Emmitsburg'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 Emmitsburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Emmitsburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FLOWSERVE FSG TANEYTOWN, MD21787 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
EVAPCO INC-TANEYTOWN TANEYTOWN, MD21787 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
SPECIALTY GRANULES LLC BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA17214 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
KNOUSE FOODS COOP INC ORRTANNA PLANT ORRTANNA, PA17353 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFrederick 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
Frederick 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 Emmitsburg'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.64 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Emmitsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Emmitsburg ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Emmitsburg's water comes from
Emmitsburg'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 4,300 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Emmitsburg
Emmitsburg is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Emmitsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF EMMITSBURG | MD0100010 | 2,400 | SW |
| MOUNT SAINT MARYS UNIVERSITY | MD0100019 | 1,900 | GW |
How Emmitsburg compares
Full Maryland rankings →Emmitsburg's score of 75.9/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Emmitsburg, MD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Emmitsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Frederick
Frequently asked questions
Is Emmitsburg, MD tap water safe to drink?
Emmitsburg's water quality earned a grade of B (75.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #62 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Emmitsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 83 violations are on record.
How is Emmitsburg'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 Emmitsburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Emmitsburg's water come from?
Emmitsburg's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,300 residents.
What health violations has Emmitsburg's water system had?
Emmitsburg has 44 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Emmitsburg's water compare to other cities?
Emmitsburg ranks #62 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 42% of state cities) and #9445 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.