D36/100

Lonaconing Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 5,000 residents · Maryland

What's In Lonaconing's Tap Water?

52
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Copper (90th percentile)
2.20 mg/L1.30 mg/LOver Limit
Lead (90th percentile)
0.001 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

8

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

2

Health-Related

TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: January 1, 2023 – January 24, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

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

MIDLAND-LONACONING
Population Served

5,000

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

MD0010018

Frequently Asked Questions About Lonaconing Water

Is Lonaconing tap water safe to drink?

Lonaconing, Maryland tap water receives a grade of D (36/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 21 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Lonaconing's water?

Of the 52 contaminants tested in Lonaconing'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 Lonaconing have any water quality violations?

Yes, Lonaconing has 21 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, MR, TT. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Lonaconing?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Lonaconing 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 Lonaconing's tap water come from?

Lonaconing's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by MIDLAND-LONACONING. The system serves approximately 5,000 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Lonaconing'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. Lonaconing'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 Lonaconing's water compare to other cities in Maryland?

Lonaconing's water quality score of 36/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Maryland state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Lonaconing's water quality?

If you have concerns about Lonaconing'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 (MIDLAND-LONACONING) 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.

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