A91/100
Salisbury Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 32,107 residents · Maryland
What's In Salisbury's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.020 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2013.
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
SWANN KEYS
Population Served
1,764
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
DE0000465
CITY OF SALISBURY
Population Served
30,343
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MD0220004
Frequently Asked Questions About Salisbury Water
Is Salisbury tap water safe to drink?
Salisbury, Maryland tap water receives a grade of A (91/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 66 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 Salisbury's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Salisbury's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, 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 Salisbury have any water quality violations?
Yes, Salisbury has 7 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2013. Violation types include Other, MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Salisbury?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Salisbury 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 Salisbury's tap water come from?
Salisbury's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by SWANN KEYS and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 32,107 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Salisbury'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. Salisbury'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 Salisbury's water compare to other cities in Maryland?
Salisbury's water quality score of 91/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Salisbury among the better-performing water systems in Maryland. Visit our Maryland state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Salisbury's water quality?
If you have concerns about Salisbury'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 (SWANN KEYS) 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.