D28/100
Oakland Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 4,850 residents · Maryland
What's In Oakland's Tap Water?
2
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 2.00 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 2008.
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
TOWN OF MOUNTAIN LAKE PARK
Population Served
3,000
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MD0110007
TOWN OF OAKLAND
Population Served
1,850
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MD0110008
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakland Water
Is Oakland tap water safe to drink?
Oakland, Maryland tap water receives a grade of D (28/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 72 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Oakland's water?
Of the 2 contaminants tested in Oakland'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 Oakland have any water quality violations?
Yes, Oakland has 72 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2019. Violation types include MR, MCL, Other. 66 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Oakland?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Oakland 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 Oakland's tap water come from?
Oakland's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by TOWN OF MOUNTAIN LAKE PARK and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 4,850 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Oakland'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. Oakland'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 Oakland's water compare to other cities in Maryland?
Oakland's water quality score of 28/100 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 Oakland's water quality?
If you have concerns about Oakland'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 (TOWN OF MOUNTAIN LAKE PARK) 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.