The most serious water quality problem in Maryland is the continuing accumulation of nutrients in estuaries and lakes from agricultural runoff, urban runoff, natural nonpoint source runoff, and point source discharges. During droughts, Maryland takes water from the Susquehanna to fill local reservoirs. This is a very large site with many links that contains a wealth of information about projects in local Maryland communities to improve our water quality. MDNR does a good job of updating this site. A final report from the Septic System Advisory Committee was due in January 2000.
Septic systems are one source of nutrient pollution of Maryland water systems.
A press release on the status of water supplies for the eastern shore town of Easton, MD during 1998. St. Mary's College, in cooperation with the Maryland Environmental Service, conducted over 800 tests for 120 compounds and found that College drinking water met all State and Federal requirements for safety. Chemical analysis is provided. This is a good place to start your water research. What you need to know about your drinking water and health related issues, an extensive list of contaminates regulated by EPA with information on each of those contaminates and information on setting standards for safe drinking water.