Scientists Cliffs
EPA ID: MD0040014 · 1,425 people served · 4 ZIP codes
The five-year EPA compliance file for Scientists Cliffs contains 1 violation, each documented and subsequently closed — the utility now operates in full compliance and continues to supply approximately 1,425 residents with water meeting current federal standards, including both health-based and monitoring requirements.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Scientists Cliffs Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade C
Service Area Demographics
The Scientists Cliffs serves a community with a median household income of $120,174 and an estimated 43,098 residents across its service area. Approximately 47% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Scientists Cliffs's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.
About 1% of homes in Calvert County, Maryland rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Scientists Cliffs compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Stage 1 DBP Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Comparable Water Systems
Similar-sized systems in Maryland
Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.
System Overview
Scientists Cliffs (EPA ID: MD0040014) is a community water system in Maryland that serves approximately 1,425 people from groundwater sources.
This system provides water to 4 ZIP codes across 4 communities.
Average Home Safety Score: C (55/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2023 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 1 | No |
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20676 | 0.003 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
Coverage: Service area ZIP codes sourced from EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 (March 2026 release). These ZIPs reflect the actual deployment footprint recorded by MD or modeled from parcel and building-footprint data.
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Scientists Cliffs (MD0040014) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scientists Cliffs water safe to drink?
Scientists Cliffs has only monitoring/reporting violations, which are procedural in nature. The system meets federal health-based standards.
How many people does Scientists Cliffs serve?
Scientists Cliffs serves approximately 1,425 people across 4 ZIP codes in Maryland.
Where does Scientists Cliffs get its water?
The primary water source is groundwater.
Water Source & Treatment
Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.
Source: SCIENTISTS CLIFFS Consumer Confidence Report.
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.
Treatment regime
How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.
Treatment chemicals and what each one does
Chemical names are reported verbatim by the utility. Purpose categories are ZipCheckup annotations based on standard drinking-water treatment practice.
Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from SCIENTISTS CLIFFS Consumer Confidence Report.
Treatment intensity is a ZipCheckup-derived classification based on the chemicals and processes the utility reports. Chemicals and contamination sources are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR filing. Routine federal monitoring and contaminant testing shown elsewhere on this page determine whether the water meets safety standards, not the treatment classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Scientists Cliffs (EPA ID: MD0040014) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.