Is Sykesville, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.2/100
waterverge.com Sykesville, PA — Water Quality Report
Sykesville's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 9.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 92 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sykesville's water
Sykesville ranks #213 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
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 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sykesville, PA water safe to drink?
Sykesville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 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+ (67.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3235). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sykesville's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Sykesville's water system has 92 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson 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 Sandy Lick Creek At Dubois, Stump Creek At Sykesville, Mahoning Creek At Big Run.
Where does Sykesville's water come from?
Sykesville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sandy Lick Creek At Dubois (river), Stump Creek At Sykesville (river), Mahoning Creek At Big Run (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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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.
Total reported releases to surface water: 21 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STELLA-JONES CORP DUBOIS, PA15801 | Creosote | 11 | 6.7 mi |
TRIANGLE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS INC DUBOIS, PA15801 | Chromium | 5 | 4.7 mi |
SYMMCO INC SYKESVILLE, PA15865 | Copper | 5 | 0.6 mi |
STAR IRON WORKS INC. BIG RUN, PA15715 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
GKN SINTER METALS LLC DUBOIS DU BOIS, PA15801 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sykesville
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.
- JACKSON CERAMIX INC6.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Jefferson 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 Sykesville'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. | 9.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sykesville compares by contaminant
Explore where Sykesville ranks among all Pennsylvania 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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sykesville
Sykesville is located near 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SYKESVILLE BOROUGH | PA6330013 | 1,500 | SWP |
How Sykesville compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Sykesville's score of 67.2/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Sykesville, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sykesville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Sykesville, PA tap water safe to drink?
Sykesville's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #213 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Sykesville's water?
Lead was measured at 9.0 ppb (90th percentile). 92 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?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. 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 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has Sykesville's water system had?
Sykesville has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does Sykesville's water compare to other cities?
Sykesville ranks #213 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 62% of state cities) and #11265 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sykesville's small water system affect quality?
Sykesville's system serves approximately 1,500 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 92 violations on record.