WaterVerge

Is Perry Point, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MD0070017
Overall Score
81.7 / 100
Violations
6 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#45 of 107 in Maryland Top 47% nationally
Federal
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
81.7/100
waterverge.com
B+ 81.7/100

Perry Point, MD — Water Quality Report

Perry Point's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using surface water.

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 126 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Perry Point's water

Perry Point ranks #45 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

As a small community water system, Perry Point may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
81.7 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
30.7/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Perry Point, MD water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Perry Point's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

6
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Perry Point

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Perry Point's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.7/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4091). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

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 Perry Point's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Perry Point's water system has 126 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

MRMCLTTOther
Most recent violations:
Jul 2018 CARBON, TOTAL Resolved
Apr 2018 CARBON, TOTAL Resolved
Oct 2017 CARBON, TOTAL Resolved
Oct 2017 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2017 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Cecil County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Susquehanna River, Deer Creek, Ches Bay At Mouth Of Susq R At Havre De Grace, Swan Creek.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4091
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3349
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA DR-4038

Where does Perry Point's water come from?

Perry Point's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Susquehanna River (river), Deer Creek (river), Ches Bay At Mouth Of Susq R At Havre De Grace (stream), Swan Creek (river).

What Perry Point residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Perry Point's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Perry Point'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

126
Total violations
18
Health-based
6
Active / unresolved
Jul 2018
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

126 Total
6 Active
18 Health-based
120 Resolved
8 SNC
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
58
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
30
Inorganic Chemicals
13
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
8
Total Coliform Rule
6
Oct 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2009 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 1998 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2018 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2018
Apr 2018 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2018
Oct 2017 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2017
Oct 2017 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2017
Jul 2017 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Sep 2017
Apr 2017 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Jun 2017
Jan 2017 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2017
Jul 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Sep 2016
Apr 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Jun 2016
Jan 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2016
Oct 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2014 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2014
Jan 2012 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2012
Oct 2011 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2011
Showing 20 of 126 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Cecil 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.

3
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
12.2%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
3
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Nov 2012
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Cecil County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Nov 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4091
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3349
Oct 2011
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #4038
Sep 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4034
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #3335
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3251

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Perry Point compares by contaminant

Explore where Perry Point ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Federal
Population Served
2,000
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Perry Point's water comes from

Surface Water

Perry Point's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by federal ownership and serves approximately 2,000 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Perry Point

Perry Point is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Susquehanna River
river
Deer Creek
river
Ches Bay At Mouth Of Susq R At Havre De Grace
stream
Swan Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Perry Point

System Name PWSID Population Source
PERRY POINT V.A. MEDICAL CENTER MD0070017 2,000 SW
Regional Comparison

How Perry Point compares

Full Maryland rankings →

Perry Point's score of 81.7/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Perry Point (this city)
81.7
Laurel
95
Baltimore
39.8
Frederick
37.5
Maryland avg
60
City Profile

About Perry Point, MD

Wikipedia →

Perry Point is an unincorporated community in Cecil County, Maryland, United States. Perry Point is located on the east bank of the Susquehanna River south of Perryville and north of the river's mouth into the Chesapeake Bay.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Perry Point, MD tap water safe to drink?

Perry Point's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #45 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.

What contaminants are in Perry Point's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 126 violations are on record.

How is Perry Point'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 Perry Point?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Perry Point's water come from?

Perry Point's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 residents.

What health violations has Perry Point's water system had?

Perry Point has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.

How does Perry Point's water compare to other cities?

Perry Point ranks #45 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 58% of state cities) and #7353 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Perry Point's small water system affect quality?

Perry Point's system serves approximately 2,000 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 126 violations on record.