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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Perry Point, MD water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Perry Point
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Perry Point's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.7/100).
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Perry Point's water supply.
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.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Perry Point'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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCecil 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
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.
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 Perry Point compares by contaminant
Explore where Perry Point ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Perry Point's water comes from
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.
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.
Water systems serving Perry Point
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PERRY POINT V.A. MEDICAL CENTER | MD0070017 | 2,000 | SW |
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.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Perry Point's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cecil
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.