Is Secretary, 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 ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Secretary, MD — Water Quality Report
Secretary's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 535 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 41 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Secretary's water
Secretary ranks #10 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Secretary 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, Secretary may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Secretary, MD water safe to drink?
Secretary's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 535 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Secretary
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Secretary's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4583). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4091). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Secretary's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Secretary's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dorchester 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 Chicamacomico River.
Where does Secretary's water come from?
Secretary's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 535 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chicamacomico River (river).
What Secretary residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Secretary'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.
Secretary'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 Secretary
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Secretary, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 12 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC.- LINKWOOD FACILITY LINKWOOD, MD21835 | Ammonia | 12 | 3.3 mi |
PROTENERGY NATURAL FOODS INC. CAMBRIDGE, MD21613 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
AMICK FARMS LLC HURLOCK, MD21643 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
PERDUE FOODS LLC - HURLOCK HATCHERY FEEDMILL & GRANARY HURLOCK, MD21643 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtDorchester 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
Dorchester 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.
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 Secretary compares by contaminant
Explore where Secretary ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Secretary's water comes from
Secretary'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 535 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Secretary
Secretary is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Secretary
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF SECRETARY | MD0090007 | 535 | GW |
How Secretary compares
Full Maryland rankings →Secretary's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Secretary, MD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Secretary's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dorchester
Frequently asked questions
Is Secretary, MD tap water safe to drink?
Secretary's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #10 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Secretary's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Secretary'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 Secretary?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Secretary's water come from?
Secretary's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 535 residents.
What health violations has Secretary's water system had?
Secretary has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Secretary's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Secretary 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 41 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 Secretary's water compare to other cities?
Secretary ranks #10 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 91% of state cities) and #2613 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Secretary's small water system affect quality?
Secretary's system serves approximately 535 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 41 violations on record.