Is Woodsboro, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.1/100
waterverge.com Woodsboro, MD — Water Quality Report
Woodsboro's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 846 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at -5.0 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 27 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Woodsboro's water
Woodsboro ranks #31 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Woodsboro 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, Woodsboro may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Woodsboro, MD water safe to drink?
Woodsboro's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 846 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Woodsboro
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Woodsboro's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Woodsboro's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Woodsboro's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Frederick County has experienced 10 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 Monocacy River, Big Pipe Creek, Carroll Creek, Linganore Creek.
Where does Woodsboro's water come from?
Woodsboro's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 846 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), Carroll Creek (river), Linganore Creek (river).
What Woodsboro residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Woodsboro'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.
Woodsboro'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 Woodsboro
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Woodsboro, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRIFFITH ENERGY SERVICES INC FREDERICK BULK PLANT FREDERICK, MD21701 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
RINKER MATERIALS HYDRO CONDUIT FREDERICK, MD21701 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
SCHUSTER CONCRETE READY MIX LLC-SOUTH ST FREDERICK, MD21701 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
HEIDELBERG MATERIALS US CEMENT LLC UNION BRIDGE, MD21791 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFrederick 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
Frederick County has experienced 10 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. | -5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Woodsboro compares by contaminant
Explore where Woodsboro ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Woodsboro's water comes from
Woodsboro'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 846 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Woodsboro
Woodsboro is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Woodsboro
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF WOODSBORO | MD0100027 | 846 | GW |
How Woodsboro compares
Full Maryland rankings →Woodsboro's score of 85.1/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →About Woodsboro, MD
Wikipedia →Woodsboro is a town in Frederick County, Maryland, United States that was granted to Joseph Wood in 1693. The population was 1,092 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Woodsboro's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Frederick
Frequently asked questions
Is Woodsboro, MD tap water safe to drink?
Woodsboro's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #31 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Woodsboro's water?
Lead was measured at -5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Woodsboro'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 Woodsboro?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Woodsboro's water come from?
Woodsboro's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 846 residents.
What health violations has Woodsboro's water system had?
Woodsboro has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Woodsboro's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Woodsboro 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 27 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 Woodsboro's water compare to other cities?
Woodsboro ranks #31 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 71% of state cities) and #5523 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Woodsboro's small water system affect quality?
Woodsboro's system serves approximately 846 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 27 violations on record.