Is Union Bridge, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com Union Bridge, MD — Water Quality Report
Union Bridge's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 997 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 5 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Union Bridge's water
Union Bridge ranks #27 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Union Bridge 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, Union Bridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Union Bridge, MD water safe to drink?
Union Bridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 997 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Union Bridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Union Bridge's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Union Bridge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Union Bridge's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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 Monocacy River, Big Pipe Creek, Sams Creek.
Where does Union Bridge's water come from?
Union Bridge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 997 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Monocacy River (river), Big Pipe Creek (river), Sams Creek (river).
What Union Bridge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Union Bridge'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.
Union Bridge'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 Union Bridge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Union Bridge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRIFFITH ENERGY SERVICES INC SPRING MILL WESTMINSTER, MD21157 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
GRIFFITH ENERGY SERVICES INC BARE WESTMINSTER, MD21157 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
FLOWSERVE FSG TANEYTOWN, MD21787 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
EVAPCO INC-TANEYTOWN TANEYTOWN, MD21787 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
HEIDELBERG MATERIALS US CEMENT LLC UNION BRIDGE, MD21791 | — | — | 0.9 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Union Bridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Union Bridge ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Union Bridge's water comes from
Union Bridge'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 997 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Union Bridge
Union Bridge is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Union Bridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF UNION BRIDGE | MD0060013 | 997 | GU |
How Union Bridge compares
Full Maryland rankings →Union Bridge's score of 85.7/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Union Bridge, MD
Wikipedia →Union Bridge is a town in Carroll County, Maryland, United States. The population was 936 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Union Bridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carroll
Frequently asked questions
Is Union Bridge, MD tap water safe to drink?
Union Bridge's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Union Bridge's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Union Bridge'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 Union Bridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Union Bridge's water come from?
Union Bridge's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 997 residents.
What health violations has Union Bridge's water system had?
Union Bridge has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Union Bridge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Union Bridge 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 5 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 Union Bridge's water compare to other cities?
Union Bridge ranks #27 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 75% of state cities) and #5184 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Union Bridge's small water system affect quality?
Union Bridge's system serves approximately 997 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 5 violations on record.