Is Smithsburg, 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 ↓
79.8/100
waterverge.com Smithsburg, MD — Water Quality Report
Smithsburg's drinking water received a grade of B (79.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,641 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.9 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 34 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Smithsburg's water
Smithsburg ranks #52 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Smithsburg, MD water safe to drink?
Smithsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,641 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Smithsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Smithsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Smithsburg'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
Smithsburg's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington 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 Antietam Creek.
Where does Smithsburg's water come from?
Smithsburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,641 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Antietam Creek (river).
What Smithsburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Smithsburg'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.
Smithsburg'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 Smithsburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Smithsburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FIL-TEC INC SMITHSBURG, MD21783 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
MACK TRUCKS INC HAGERSTOWN, MD21742 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
HOLCIM(US) INC. HAGERSTOWN, MD21742 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
GREAT SOUTHERN WOOD - MD INC. HAGERSTOWN, MD21740 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
IKO NORTHEAST INC. HAGERSTOWN, MD21740 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Smithsburg
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.
- CENTRAL CHEMICAL HAGERSTOWN7.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtWashington 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
Washington 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 Smithsburg'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. | 3.9 | 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. | 3.20 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.200 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Smithsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Smithsburg ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Smithsburg's water comes from
Smithsburg'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 3,641 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Smithsburg
Smithsburg is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Smithsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF SMITHSBURG DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM | MD0210018 | 2,500 | SWP |
| HIGHFIELD | MD0210001 | 1,141 | GW |
How Smithsburg compares
Full Maryland rankings →Smithsburg's score of 79.8/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Smithsburg, MD
Wikipedia →Smithsburg is a town in Washington County, Maryland, United States. The population was 2,977 at the 2020 census. Smithsburg is close to the former Fort Ritchie army base and just west of the presidential retreat Camp David.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Smithsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Smithsburg, MD tap water safe to drink?
Smithsburg's water quality earned a grade of B (79.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #52 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Smithsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 3.9 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.
How is Smithsburg'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 Smithsburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Smithsburg's water come from?
Smithsburg's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,641 residents.
What health violations has Smithsburg's water system had?
Smithsburg has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Smithsburg's water compare to other cities?
Smithsburg ranks #52 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 51% of state cities) and #8126 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.