B60/100
Lavale Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 5,500 residents · Maryland
What's In Lavale's Tap Water?
35
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.39 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2019.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
LAVALE SANITARY COMMISSION
Population Served
5,500
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MD0010016
Frequently Asked Questions About Lavale Water
Is Lavale tap water safe to drink?
Lavale, Maryland tap water receives a grade of B (60/100), which is considered good. Out of 35 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Lavale's water?
Of the 35 contaminants tested in Lavale's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Lavale have any water quality violations?
Yes, Lavale has 17 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2019. Violation types include MR, Other, TT. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Lavale?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Lavale is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Lavale's tap water come from?
Lavale's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by LAVALE SANITARY COMMISSION. The system serves approximately 5,500 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Lavale's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Lavale's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Lavale's water compare to other cities in Maryland?
Lavale's water quality score of 60/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Maryland state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Lavale's water quality?
If you have concerns about Lavale's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (LAVALE SANITARY COMMISSION) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.