Is Ridgely, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
74.2/100
waterverge.com Ridgely, MD — Water Quality Report
Ridgely's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,900 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 37 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ridgely's water
Ridgely ranks #67 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Ridgely 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, Ridgely may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ridgely, MD water safe to drink?
Ridgely's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,900 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ridgely
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ridgely's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.2/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Fluoride.
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 Ridgely'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
Ridgely's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Caroline County has experienced 8 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. Local water sources include Choptank River, Tuckahoe Creek.
Where does Ridgely's water come from?
Ridgely's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,900 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Choptank River (river), Tuckahoe Creek (river).
What Ridgely residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ridgely'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.
Ridgely'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 Ridgely
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ridgely, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SCHUSTER CONCRETE READY MIX LLC-HOBBS RD DENTON, MD21629 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCaroline 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
Caroline County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Ridgely'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. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ridgely compares by contaminant
Explore where Ridgely ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ridgely's water comes from
Ridgely'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 1,900 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Ridgely
Ridgely is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ridgely
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF RIDGELY | MD0050006 | 1,600 | GW |
| BENEDICTINE SCHOOL | MD0050201 | 300 | GW |
How Ridgely compares
Full Maryland rankings →Ridgely's score of 74.2/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Ridgely, MD
Wikipedia →Ridgely is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. As of the 2020 census, Ridgely had a population of 1,611.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ridgely's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caroline
Frequently asked questions
Is Ridgely, MD tap water safe to drink?
Ridgely's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #67 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Ridgely's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Ridgely'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 Ridgely?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ridgely's water come from?
Ridgely's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,900 residents.
What health violations has Ridgely's water system had?
Ridgely has 5 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ridgely's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ridgely 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 37 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 Ridgely's water compare to other cities?
Ridgely ranks #67 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 37% of state cities) and #9915 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.