WaterVerge

Is Grasonville, 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 ↓

556 residents served 2 water systems PWSID: MD1170001
Overall Score
73.3 / 100
Violations
11 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#69 of 107 in Maryland Top 64% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
73.3/100
waterverge.com
B- 73.3/100

Grasonville, MD — Water Quality Report

Grasonville's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 556 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 24 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Grasonville's water

Grasonville ranks #69 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
73.3 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
32.3/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
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 Grasonville, MD water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Grasonville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 556 residents using groundwater (wells).

11
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Grasonville

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grasonville's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).

Violation
4 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

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.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

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

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.76 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Grasonville's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

RPTTTOtherMR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jul 2012 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Queen Anne's County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Sallie Harris Creek, Eastern Bay.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4091
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3349
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4034

Where does Grasonville's water come from?

Grasonville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 556 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sallie Harris Creek (river), Eastern Bay (stream).

What Grasonville residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Grasonville'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
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.76 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

24
Total violations
2
Health-based
11
Active / unresolved
Oct 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

24 Total
11 Active
2 Health-based
13 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
7
Consumer Confidence Rule
5
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
4
Lead and Copper Rule
3
Total Coliform Rule
2
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2004 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 1999 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1998 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Nov 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2008
Jul 2000 Resolved
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation Resolved May 2001
Oct 1999 Resolved
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation Resolved Mar 2001
Jul 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1996
Jan 1995 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jan 1995 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jan 1993 Resolved
Asbestos
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jan 1993 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jan 1993 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Showing 20 of 24 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Queen Anne's 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)
13.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
4
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Nov 2012
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Queen Anne's County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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
Sep 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4034
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #3335
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3251
Sep 2003
HURRICANE ISABEL
Hurricane FEMA #1492

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Grasonville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.76 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
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 2025 (0.0 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.765 mg/L (1996)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Contaminant Rankings

See how Grasonville compares by contaminant

Explore where Grasonville ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
556
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Grasonville's water comes from

Groundwater

Grasonville'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 556 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Grasonville

Grasonville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Sallie Harris Creek
river
Eastern Bay
stream
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Grasonville

System Name PWSID Population Source
BEACH HARBOR MD1170001 481 GW
BAYVIEW AT KENT NARROWS MD0170013 75 GW
Regional Comparison

How Grasonville compares

Full Maryland rankings →

Grasonville's score of 73.3/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Grasonville (this city)
73.3
Laurel
95
Baltimore
39.8
Frederick
37.5
Maryland avg
60
City Profile

About Grasonville, MD

Economic Profile
$109,375
Median Income
$405,241
Median Home Value
$1,533/mo
Median Rent
3%
Unemployment
Community
41.7
Median Age
233
People / sq mi
31.9%
College Educated
77.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Grasonville, MD tap water safe to drink?

Grasonville's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #69 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.

What contaminants are in Grasonville's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.

How is Grasonville'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 Grasonville?

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

Where does Grasonville's water come from?

Grasonville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 556 residents.

What health violations has Grasonville's water system had?

Grasonville has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.

Is Grasonville's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Grasonville 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 24 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 Grasonville's water compare to other cities?

Grasonville ranks #69 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 36% of state cities) and #10119 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.