Water Quality in Severna Park, MD: 3 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 59/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Severna Park'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 Severna Park, MD includes 3 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 Severna Park
Water quality varies across Severna Park's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21146 | B | 72 | 3 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Severna Park, 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 1 water system serving Severna Park have accumulated 3 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 35 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Severna Park'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 Severna Park water systems is 0.0013 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 68% of homes built before 1986, Severna Park 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
Severna Park is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Severna Park
Severna Park is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 35 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 3 enforcement actions against water systems serving Severna Park. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Severna Park
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 Severna Park Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Severna Park's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 3 enforcement actions against water systems serving Severna Park. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-03-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-08-01 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-03-20.
Severna Park vs. Nearby Maryland Cities
How Severna Park's water quality compares to similar cities in Maryland:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severna Park | C | 3 | 1 | 35 |
| Barnesville | C | 0 | 1 | 38 |
| Boyds | B | 0 | 1 | 38 |
| Clarksburg | A | 7 | 1 | 38 |
Common Questions About Severna Park Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Severna Park, Maryland:
Is Severna Park water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Severna Park's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Severna Park tap water? Severna Park's water receives a grade of C (59/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Severna Park? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Severna Park vs. Maryland Average
Understanding how Severna Park 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 Severna Park.
ZIP Codes in Severna Park
Severna Park spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 21146. 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.