Is Sykesville, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
57.8/100
waterverge.com Sykesville, MD — Water Quality Report
Sykesville's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,950 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 53 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sykesville's water
Sykesville ranks #93 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
As a small community water system, Sykesville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sykesville, MD water safe to drink?
Sykesville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,950 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sykesville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sykesville's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.8/100).
3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: 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 Sykesville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sykesville's water system has 53 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carroll County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 North Branch Patapsco River, Beaver Run, Morgan Run, Patuxent River, Cattail Creek.
Where does Sykesville's water come from?
Sykesville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,950 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include North Branch Patapsco River (river), Beaver Run (river), Morgan Run (river), Patuxent River (river), Cattail Creek (river).
What Sykesville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sykesville'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.
Sykesville'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 Sykesville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sykesville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MARYLAND PAVING INC FINKSBURG, MD21048 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCarroll 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
Carroll County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sykesville compares by contaminant
Explore where Sykesville ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sykesville's water comes from
Sykesville'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 state ownership and serves approximately 1,950 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Sykesville
Sykesville is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Sykesville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPRINGFIELD HOSPITAL DISTRIBUTION | MD0060010 | 1,500 | SWP |
| GAITHER MANOR APARTMENTS | MD0060202 | 450 | GW |
How Sykesville compares
Full Maryland rankings →Sykesville's score of 57.8/100 is on par with the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Sykesville, MD
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sykesville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carroll
Frequently asked questions
Is Sykesville, MD tap water safe to drink?
Sykesville's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #93 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Sykesville's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 53 violations are on record.
How is Sykesville'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 Sykesville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sykesville's water come from?
Sykesville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,950 residents.
What health violations has Sykesville's water system had?
Sykesville has 23 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. 13 violations remain unresolved.
How does Sykesville's water compare to other cities?
Sykesville ranks #93 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 13% of state cities) and #12344 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.