Is Leonardtown, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 26 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.5/100
waterverge.com Leonardtown, MD — Water Quality Report
Leonardtown's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,100 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 66 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.
What to know about Leonardtown's water
Leonardtown ranks #74 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Leonardtown 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.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Leonardtown, MD water safe to drink?
Leonardtown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,100 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Leonardtown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Leonardtown's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Leonardtown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Leonardtown's water system has 66 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Leonardtown's water come from?
Leonardtown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 5,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include St Clements Creek Near Clements (river), Mcintosh Run (river), St Marys Lake Near Callaway (lake), St Marys River At Great Mills (river).
What Leonardtown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Leonardtown'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSaint Mary'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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
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 Leonardtown compares by contaminant
Explore where Leonardtown ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Leonardtown's water comes from
Leonardtown'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 5,100 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Leonardtown
Leonardtown is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Leonardtown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF LEONARDTOWN | MD0180006 | 5,000 | GW |
| CHRISTMAS TREE FARM TRAILER PARK | MD0180206 | 100 | GW |
How Leonardtown compares
Full Maryland rankings →Leonardtown's score of 70.5/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Leonardtown, MD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Leonardtown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Mary'S
Frequently asked questions
Is Leonardtown, MD tap water safe to drink?
Leonardtown's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #74 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Leonardtown's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 66 violations are on record.
How is Leonardtown'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 Leonardtown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Leonardtown's water come from?
Leonardtown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 5,100 residents.
What health violations has Leonardtown's water system had?
Leonardtown has 5 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. 26 violations remain unresolved.
Is Leonardtown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Leonardtown 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 66 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 Leonardtown's water compare to other cities?
Leonardtown ranks #74 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 31% of state cities) and #10723 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.