Is Hurlock, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.4/100
waterverge.com Hurlock, MD — Water Quality Report
Hurlock's drinking water received a grade of B (79.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,150 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.7 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 11 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hurlock's water
Hurlock ranks #55 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hurlock 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Hurlock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hurlock, MD water safe to drink?
Hurlock'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 1 water system serves approximately 2,150 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hurlock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hurlock's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4583). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Fluoride.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4091). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hurlock's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Hurlock's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dorchester 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. Local water sources include Chicamacomico River.
Where does Hurlock's water come from?
Hurlock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,150 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chicamacomico River (river).
What Hurlock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hurlock'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Hurlock'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 Hurlock
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hurlock, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 12 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC.- LINKWOOD FACILITY LINKWOOD, MD21835 | Ammonia | 12 | 5.7 mi |
VALPAC INC. FEDERALSBURG, MD21632 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
AMICK FARMS LLC HURLOCK, MD21643 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
PERDUE FOODS LLC - HURLOCK HATCHERY FEEDMILL & GRANARY HURLOCK, MD21643 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
VIENNA GENERATING STATION VIENNA, MD21869 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtDorchester 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
Dorchester 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hurlock'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. | 6.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hurlock compares by contaminant
Explore where Hurlock ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hurlock's water comes from
Hurlock'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 2,150 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hurlock
Hurlock is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hurlock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF HURLOCK | MD0090005 | 2,150 | GW |
How Hurlock compares
Full Maryland rankings →Hurlock's score of 79.4/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Hurlock, MD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hurlock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dorchester
Frequently asked questions
Is Hurlock, MD tap water safe to drink?
Hurlock'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 #55 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Hurlock's water?
Lead was measured at 6.7 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Hurlock'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 Hurlock?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hurlock's water come from?
Hurlock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,150 residents.
What health violations has Hurlock's water system had?
Hurlock has 3 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hurlock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hurlock 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 11 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 Hurlock's water compare to other cities?
Hurlock ranks #55 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 49% of state cities) and #8271 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hurlock's small water system affect quality?
Hurlock's system serves approximately 2,150 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 11 violations on record.