Is North Beach, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.9/100
waterverge.com North Beach, MD — Water Quality Report
North Beach's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,000 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 12 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Beach's water
North Beach ranks #48 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
North Beach 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, North Beach may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Beach, MD water safe to drink?
North Beach's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for North Beach
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Beach's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4583). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 North Beach's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
North Beach's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Calvert County has experienced 10 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.
Where does North Beach's water come from?
North Beach's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What North Beach residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Beach'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.
North Beach'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 droughtCalvert 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
Calvert County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how North Beach compares by contaminant
Explore where North Beach ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Beach's water comes from
North Beach'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 3,000 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving North Beach
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF NORTH BEACH | MD0040030 | 3,000 | GW |
How North Beach compares
Full Maryland rankings →North Beach's score of 80.9/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About North Beach, MD
Wikipedia →North Beach is a town in Calvert County, Maryland, United States. As of the 2020 census, North Beach had a population of 2,146.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Beach's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calvert
Frequently asked questions
Is North Beach, MD tap water safe to drink?
North Beach's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #48 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in North Beach's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is North Beach'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 North Beach?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Beach's water come from?
North Beach's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,000 residents.
What health violations has North Beach's water system had?
North Beach 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is North Beach's groundwater at risk of contamination?
North Beach 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 12 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 North Beach's water compare to other cities?
North Beach ranks #48 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 55% of state cities) and #7663 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does North Beach's small water system affect quality?
North Beach's system serves approximately 3,000 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 12 violations on record.