Drinking water quality

Question

Should we drink strictly bottled water or is tap water generally ok?

Answer

Ocean City, Maryland, draws its tap water from public water systems that are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The water is treated and generally considered safe to drink for most people. Many residents and visitors drink tap water without issue.

However, there are some considerations depending on where exactly you stay and personal preference:

Older buildings or hotels may have aging plumbing, which can affect taste or cause minor mineral buildup.
Some people prefer bottled water due to taste or for convenience, especially if they are used to a different water profile.
During very hot summer months, or if you’re staying in a vacation rental with older pipes, some visitors choose to use bottled or filtered water just to avoid potential off-tastes.

In general, for most visitors, tap water in Ocean City is safe to drink, so strict reliance on bottled water isn’t necessary unless you prefer it for taste or convenience. If you have children or anyone with a sensitive stomach, using filtered or bottled water is an extra precaution.

Bring a refillable bottle and use tap water; consider a small filter if you prefer taste improvement.
Bottled water is widely available if you prefer it for drinking and making beverages.
Check your accommodation’s reviews to see if there are any mentions of water taste or quality issues.

Overall, you don’t need to worry about health risks from tap water, but personal taste and convenience often guide whether visitors drink tap or bottled water during their stay.