Is Rock Hall, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.1/100
waterverge.com Rock Hall, MD — Water Quality Report
Rock Hall's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,750 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.5 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 10 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rock Hall's water
Rock Hall ranks #30 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Rock Hall 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, Rock Hall may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rock Hall, MD water safe to drink?
Rock Hall's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rock Hall
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rock Hall's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Rock Hall's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rock Hall's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kent County has experienced 9 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 Rock Hall's water come from?
Rock Hall's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Rock Hall residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rock Hall'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Rock Hall'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 droughtKent 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
Kent County has experienced 9 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. | 3.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rock Hall compares by contaminant
Explore where Rock Hall ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rock Hall's water comes from
Rock Hall'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 1,750 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Rock Hall
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF ROCK HALL | MD0140006 | 1,750 | GW |
How Rock Hall compares
Full Maryland rankings →Rock Hall's score of 85.1/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Rock Hall, MD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rock Hall's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kent
Frequently asked questions
Is Rock Hall, MD tap water safe to drink?
Rock Hall's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #30 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Rock Hall's water?
Lead was measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Rock Hall'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 Rock Hall?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rock Hall's water come from?
Rock Hall's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,750 residents.
Is Rock Hall's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rock Hall 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 10 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 Rock Hall's water compare to other cities?
Rock Hall ranks #30 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 72% of state cities) and #5508 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rock Hall's small water system affect quality?
Rock Hall's system serves approximately 1,750 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 10 violations on record.