Is Snow Hill, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
84.7/100
waterverge.com Snow Hill, MD — Water Quality Report
Snow Hill's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,409 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 30 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Snow Hill's water
Snow Hill ranks #32 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Snow Hill 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.06 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Snow Hill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Snow Hill, MD water safe to drink?
Snow Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,409 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Snow Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Snow Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Snow Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Snow Hill's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Worcester 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 Nassawango Creek.
Where does Snow Hill's water come from?
Snow Hill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,409 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nassawango Creek (river).
What Snow Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Snow Hill'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.
Snow Hill'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 Snow Hill
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Snow Hill, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON FARMS INC FEED MILL SNOW HILL SNOW HILL, MD21863 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtWorcester 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
Worcester 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 Snow Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Snow Hill ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Snow Hill's water comes from
Snow Hill'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 2,409 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Snow Hill
Snow Hill is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Snow Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF SNOW HILL | MD0230007 | 2,409 | GW |
How Snow Hill compares
Full Maryland rankings →Snow Hill's score of 84.7/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Snow Hill, MD
Wikipedia →Snow Hill is a town serving as the county seat of Worcester County, Maryland, United States. The population was 2,156 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Snow Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Worcester
Frequently asked questions
Is Snow Hill, MD tap water safe to drink?
Snow Hill's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #32 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Snow Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Snow Hill'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 Snow Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Snow Hill's water come from?
Snow Hill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,409 residents.
What health violations has Snow Hill's water system had?
Snow Hill has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Snow Hill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Snow Hill 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 30 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 Snow Hill's water compare to other cities?
Snow Hill ranks #32 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 70% of state cities) and #5735 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Snow Hill's small water system affect quality?
Snow Hill's system serves approximately 2,409 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 30 violations on record.