Rockville
Rockville, MD water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
With about 66,980 residents, Rockville ranks as the 9th-largest city in Maryland and a small but growing city. Water in Rockville is sourced chiefly from Potomac River, Chesapeake tributaries, and coastal aquifers, the backbone of Maryland's supply.
The defining water pressure here mirrors the state's: saltwater intrusion. Chesapeake Bay restoration drives heavy investment in stormwater and nutrient management.
Statewide, Maryland recycles about 7% of its wastewater with developing reuse programs. Locally, Rockville faces severe to extreme drought conditions.
The Maryland state profile covers the regional supply outlook; the issues below detail what's driving Rockville's water future.
At a glance
- Population ~66,980 (9th-largest in Maryland)
- Primary sources: Potomac River, Chesapeake tributaries, and coastal aquifers
- Drought: severe to extreme conditions
- State reuse rate: ~7% of wastewater
Statewide drought history
% of Maryland in severe+ drought (Extreme (D3) now).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Common questions
Is tap water safe in Rockville?
Rockville is served by community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Statewide, 31.7% of Maryland's systems have a recent health-based violation. Check your provider's annual Consumer Confidence Report for local results.
Where does Rockville get its water?
Rockville draws from the same regional sources that serve Maryland: Potomac River, Chesapeake tributaries, coastal aquifers.
Related water issues
Saltwater Intrusion
As coastal aquifers are over-pumped and seas rise, saltwater pushes inland and contaminates freshwater supplies for cities from Florida to California.
ExploreAging Infrastructure
Much of America's water infrastructure is decades past its design life, leaking trillions of gallons a year and demanding hundreds of billions in reinvestment.
ExploreStormwater Capture
Cities are reengineering streets and parks to capture rain that once ran to the sea, recharging aquifers and reducing flooding at the same time.
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