Is Oakland, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
66.6/100
waterverge.com Oakland, MD — Water Quality Report
Oakland's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 6,474 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 114 violations on record, including 80 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oakland's water
Oakland ranks #81 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Oakland 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 Oakland, MD water safe to drink?
Oakland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 6,474 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oakland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oakland's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oakland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Oakland's water system has 114 total violations on record, including 80 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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, Arrowhead Run, Deep Creek Lake, Cherry Creek At State Park Road Near Mchenry.
Where does Oakland's water come from?
Oakland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 6,474 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), Arrowhead Run (river), Deep Creek Lake (lake), Cherry Creek At State Park Road Near Mchenry (river).
What Oakland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oakland'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.
Oakland'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Oakland'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oakland compares by contaminant
Explore where Oakland ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oakland's water comes from
Oakland'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 6,474 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Oakland
Oakland is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Oakland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF MOUNTAIN LAKE PARK | MD0110007 | 3,000 | GW |
| TOWN OF OAKLAND | MD0110008 | 1,850 | SW |
| TOWN OF FRIENDSVILLE | MD0110004 | 622 | SW |
| BLOOMINGTON | MD0110002 | 350 | SW |
| TOWN OF DEER PARK | MD0110021 | 272 | GW |
| CRELLIN | MD0110003 | 230 | GW |
| GORMAN | MD0110012 | 150 | GW |
How Oakland compares
Full Maryland rankings →Oakland's score of 66.6/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Oakland, MD
Wikipedia →Oakland is a town in Garrett County, Maryland, United States, and its county seat. The population was 1,851 at the 2020 census. It is near Deep Creek Lake and the Wisp Ski Resort.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oakland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Garrett
Frequently asked questions
Is Oakland, MD tap water safe to drink?
Oakland's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #81 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Oakland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 114 violations are on record.
How is Oakland'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 Oakland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oakland's water come from?
Oakland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 6,474 residents.
What health violations has Oakland's water system had?
Oakland has 80 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oakland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oakland 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 114 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 Oakland's water compare to other cities?
Oakland ranks #81 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 24% of state cities) and #11353 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.