Is Sharptown, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.4/100
waterverge.com Sharptown, MD — Water Quality Report
Sharptown's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 625 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 35 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sharptown's water
Sharptown ranks #34 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sharptown 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, Sharptown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sharptown, MD water safe to drink?
Sharptown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 625 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sharptown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sharptown's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, 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 Sharptown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sharptown's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wicomico County has experienced 7 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 Bucks Branch Ds Of Conrail, Hearns Pond.
Where does Sharptown's water come from?
Sharptown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 625 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bucks Branch Ds Of Conrail (river), Hearns Pond (lake).
What Sharptown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sharptown'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.
Sharptown'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 Sharptown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sharptown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMICK FARMS LLC HURLOCK, MD21643 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
LONG LIFE TREATED WOOD INC HEBRON, MD21830 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
VIENNA GENERATING STATION VIENNA, MD21869 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
AMICK FARMS LLC DELMAR, DE19940 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
ORIENT CORP OF AMERICA SEAFORD, DE19973 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sharptown
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BLADES GROUNDWATER8.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtWicomico 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
Wicomico County has experienced 7 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 Sharptown compares by contaminant
Explore where Sharptown ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sharptown's water comes from
Sharptown'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 625 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sharptown
Sharptown is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sharptown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF SHARPTOWN | MD0220005 | 625 | GW |
How Sharptown compares
Full Maryland rankings →Sharptown's score of 84.4/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Sharptown, MD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sharptown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wicomico
Frequently asked questions
Is Sharptown, MD tap water safe to drink?
Sharptown's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #34 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Sharptown's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Sharptown'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 Sharptown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sharptown's water come from?
Sharptown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 625 residents.
What health violations has Sharptown's water system had?
Sharptown has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sharptown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sharptown 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 35 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 Sharptown's water compare to other cities?
Sharptown ranks #34 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 68% of state cities) and #5941 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sharptown's small water system affect quality?
Sharptown's system serves approximately 625 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 35 violations on record.