Water Quality in Perryville, MD: 15 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 59/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Perryville's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The compliance history for Perryville, MD includes 15 water violations on file with the EPA — a federal tally that spans health-based exceedances, monitoring failures, and enforcement actions logged under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Perryville
Water quality varies across Perryville's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21903 | C | 59 | 15 | 5 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Perryville.
Water Quality Overview
Perryville, Maryland receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 59 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Perryville have accumulated 15 EPA violations, including 5 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 4,472 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Perryville's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Perryville water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 58% of homes built before 1986, Perryville has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Perryville is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Perryville
Perryville is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 4,472 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Perryville. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Perryville
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Perryville Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Perryville's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Perryville:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2023 to 2 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Perryville. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-18 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-23.
Perryville vs. Nearby Maryland Cities
How Perryville's water quality compares to similar cities in Maryland:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perryville | C | 15 | 3 | 4,472 |
| Boonsboro | C | 5 | 3 | 4,565 |
| Barstow | D | 0 | 1 | 4,371 |
| Benedict | D | 0 | 1 | 4,371 |
Common Questions About Perryville Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Perryville, Maryland:
Is Perryville water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Perryville's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Perryville tap water? Perryville's water receives a grade of C (59/100). There are 5 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Perryville? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Perryville vs. Maryland Average
Understanding how Perryville compares to the broader Maryland average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Perryville.
ZIP Codes in Perryville
Perryville spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 21903. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.