Is Williamsport, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 32 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69/100
waterverge.com Williamsport, MD — Water Quality Report
Williamsport's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 4,260 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 51 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Williamsport's water
Williamsport ranks #78 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it below average 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.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Williamsport, MD water safe to drink?
Williamsport's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 4,260 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Williamsport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Williamsport's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Williamsport's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Williamsport's water system has 51 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 9 violations were 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 Conococheague Creek, Tuscarora Creek Above Martinsburg, Marsh Run, Rockymarsh Run, Antietam Creek.
Where does Williamsport's water come from?
Williamsport's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 4,260 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Conococheague Creek (river), Tuscarora Creek Above Martinsburg (river), Marsh Run (river), Rockymarsh Run (river), Antietam Creek (river).
What Williamsport residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Williamsport'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.
Williamsport'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 Williamsport
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Williamsport, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MACK TRUCKS INC HAGERSTOWN, MD21742 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
HOLCIM(US) INC. HAGERSTOWN, MD21742 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
PURINA ANIMAL NUTRITION LLC - HAGERSTOWN HAGERSTOWN, MD21740 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
GREAT SOUTHERN WOOD - MD INC. HAGERSTOWN, MD21740 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
RUST-OLEUM CORP IN MD WILLIAMSPORT, MD21795 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Williamsport
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 HAGERSTOWN6.5 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.
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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Williamsport compares by contaminant
Explore where Williamsport ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Williamsport's water comes from
Williamsport'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 4,260 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Williamsport
Williamsport 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 Williamsport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF WILLIAMSPORT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM | MD0210021 | 2,400 | SWP |
| TOWN OF SHARPSBURG | MD0210017 | 1,360 | SW |
| TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING | MD0210005 | 455 | GU |
| CEDAR RIDGE CHILDREN'S HOME & SCHOOL | MD0210020 | 45 | GU |
How Williamsport compares
Full Maryland rankings →Williamsport's score of 69/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Williamsport, MD
Wikipedia →Williamsport is an incorporated town in Washington County, Maryland, United States. As of the 2020 census, Williamsport had a population of 2,083.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Williamsport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Williamsport, MD tap water safe to drink?
Williamsport's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #78 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Williamsport's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 51 violations are on record.
How is Williamsport'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 Williamsport?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Williamsport's water come from?
Williamsport's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 4,260 residents.
What health violations has Williamsport's water system had?
Williamsport has 8 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. 32 violations remain unresolved.
How does Williamsport's water compare to other cities?
Williamsport ranks #78 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 27% of state cities) and #10991 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.