Is New Windsor, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89/100
waterverge.com New Windsor, MD — Water Quality Report
New Windsor's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,732 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 9 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Windsor's water
New Windsor ranks #16 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
New Windsor 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, New Windsor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Windsor, MD water safe to drink?
New Windsor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,732 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Windsor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Windsor's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Windsor's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Windsor's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carroll County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Cranberry Branch, Monocacy River, Big Pipe Creek, Sams Creek.
Where does New Windsor's water come from?
New Windsor's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,732 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cranberry Branch (river), Monocacy River (river), Big Pipe Creek (river), Sams Creek (river).
What New Windsor residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Windsor'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.
New Windsor'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 New Windsor
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Windsor, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRIFFITH ENERGY SERVICES INC SPRING MILL WESTMINSTER, MD21157 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
GRIFFITH ENERGY SERVICES INC BARE WESTMINSTER, MD21157 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
FLOWSERVE FSG TANEYTOWN, MD21787 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
EVAPCO INC-TANEYTOWN TANEYTOWN, MD21787 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
HEIDELBERG MATERIALS US CEMENT LLC UNION BRIDGE, MD21791 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCarroll 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
Carroll County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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. | 2.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Windsor compares by contaminant
Explore where New Windsor ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Windsor's water comes from
New Windsor'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 1,732 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Windsor
New Windsor is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Windsor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF NEW WINDSOR | MD0060008 | 1,732 | GW |
How New Windsor compares
Full Maryland rankings →New Windsor's score of 89/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About New Windsor, MD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Windsor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carroll
Frequently asked questions
Is New Windsor, MD tap water safe to drink?
New Windsor's water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #16 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in New Windsor's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is New Windsor'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 New Windsor?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Windsor's water come from?
New Windsor's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,732 residents.
What health violations has New Windsor's water system had?
New Windsor has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Windsor's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Windsor 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 9 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 New Windsor's water compare to other cities?
New Windsor ranks #16 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 85% of state cities) and #3118 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Windsor's small water system affect quality?
New Windsor's system serves approximately 1,732 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 9 violations on record.