Is Mountain Lake Park, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.6/100
waterverge.com Mountain Lake Park, MD — Water Quality Report
Mountain Lake Park's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,935 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 4 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mountain Lake Park's water
Mountain Lake Park ranks #18 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Mountain Lake Park 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mountain Lake Park, MD water safe to drink?
Mountain Lake Park's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,935 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mountain Lake Park
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mountain Lake Park's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mountain Lake Park's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mountain Lake Park's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Garrett County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 North Branch Potomac River, Youghiogheny River, North Glade Run, Arrowhead Run, Deep Creek Lake.
Where does Mountain Lake Park's water come from?
Mountain Lake Park's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 5,935 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Branch Potomac River (river), Youghiogheny River (river), North Glade Run (river), Arrowhead Run (river), Deep Creek Lake (lake).
What Mountain Lake Park residents can do
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.
Mountain Lake Park'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGarrett 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
Garrett County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mountain Lake Park compares by contaminant
Explore where Mountain Lake Park ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mountain Lake Park's water comes from
Mountain Lake Park'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 5,935 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Mountain Lake Park
Mountain Lake Park is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mountain Lake Park
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEEP CREEK LAKE WATER SERVICE AREA | MD1111096 | 5,502 | GW |
| TOWN OF KITZMILLER | MD0110013 | 370 | GW |
| KEYSERS RIDGE | MD0110025 | 63 | GW |
How Mountain Lake Park compares
Full Maryland rankings →Mountain Lake Park's score of 88.6/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Mountain Lake Park, MD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mountain Lake Park's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Garrett
Frequently asked questions
Is Mountain Lake Park, MD tap water safe to drink?
Mountain Lake Park's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #18 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Mountain Lake Park's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Mountain Lake Park'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 Mountain Lake Park?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mountain Lake Park's water come from?
Mountain Lake Park's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 5,935 residents.
What health violations has Mountain Lake Park's water system had?
Mountain Lake Park has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mountain Lake Park's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mountain Lake Park 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 4 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 Mountain Lake Park's water compare to other cities?
Mountain Lake Park ranks #18 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 83% of state cities) and #3342 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.