Is Federalsburg, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 29 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
63.4/100
waterverge.com Federalsburg, MD — Water Quality Report
Federalsburg's drinking water received a grade of C (63.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,535 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 89 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Federalsburg's water
Federalsburg ranks #87 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Federalsburg 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, Federalsburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Federalsburg, MD water safe to drink?
Federalsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,535 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Federalsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Federalsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Federalsburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Federalsburg's water system has 89 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Caroline County has experienced 8 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.
Where does Federalsburg's water come from?
Federalsburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,535 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Federalsburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Federalsburg'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.
Federalsburg'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 Federalsburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Federalsburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VALPAC INC. FEDERALSBURG, MD21632 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
AMICK FARMS LLC HURLOCK, MD21643 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
PERDUE FOODS LLC - HURLOCK HATCHERY FEEDMILL & GRANARY HURLOCK, MD21643 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
THE PICTSWEET CO - BRIDGEVILLE DE PLANT BRIDGEVILLE, DE19933 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
BRIDGEVILLE FEED MILL & GRAIN STORAGE BRIDGEVILLE, DE19933 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Federalsburg
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.
- BLADES GROUNDWATER9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCaroline 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
Caroline County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Federalsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Federalsburg ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Federalsburg's water comes from
Federalsburg'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 2,535 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Federalsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF FEDERALSBURG | MD0050002 | 2,450 | GW |
| HOLLY COVE HARBOR MOBILE HOME PARK | MD0050206 | 45 | GW |
| LIBERTY MOBILE HOME PARK | MD0050207 | 40 | GW |
How Federalsburg compares
Full Maryland rankings →Federalsburg's score of 63.4/100 is on par with the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Federalsburg, MD
Wikipedia →Federalsburg is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. As of the 2020 census, Federalsburg had a population of 2,833. It has one high school, Colonel Richardson High School.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Federalsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caroline
Frequently asked questions
Is Federalsburg, MD tap water safe to drink?
Federalsburg's water quality earned a grade of C (63.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #87 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Federalsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 89 violations are on record.
How is Federalsburg'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 Federalsburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Federalsburg's water come from?
Federalsburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,535 residents.
What health violations has Federalsburg's water system had?
Federalsburg has 9 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. 29 violations remain unresolved.
Is Federalsburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Federalsburg 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 89 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 Federalsburg's water compare to other cities?
Federalsburg ranks #87 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 19% of state cities) and #11761 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.