CITY REPORT DC 1644 HEALTH VIOLATIONS

Washington, DC: 1644 Health Violations - 69/100 (2026)

274 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-07-19

ZipCheckup grade for Washington: C.

A mixed picture - some signals here are worth your attention.

Your top priority: consider a certified water filter (1644 health violations on record). NSF certified filters →

Recent monitoring in Washington shows middle-tier safety for DC - some systems are clean; others have logged EPA violations.

Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS Last verified: 2026-07-19

274
ZIP Codes
4
Water Systems
274
ZIPs with Violations
C · 69
Avg Safety Score
Zone 1
Radon Risk (High)

Key Facts for Washington Residents

  • Your city's water systems recorded 9042 violations in the past 5 years.
  • Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.

Water Quality in Washington

We track water quality and home safety data for 274 ZIP codes in Washington, District of Columbia, covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 671,768 people.

274 of 274 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations - 9,042 total, including 1644 health-based violations.

Average Home Safety Score: C (69/100)

Water sources: Surface water.

Top Contaminants

Contaminant Category Violations ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 2466 274
E. coli Microbiological 1918 274
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 1096 274
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 1096 274
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 822 274

Lead Risk

  • Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L
  • 73% of housing built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned)
  • 39% of housing built before 1950 (when lead pipes were standard)
  • Median year built: 1956
  • Most common estimated pipe material: Galvanized Steel or Copper
  • Lead exposure risk score: 50/100
  • Estimated lead service line probability: 21%
  • 17 ZIP codes classified as high or very high lead risk

With 73% of homes built before the 1986 lead solder ban, Washington residents - especially those in older neighborhoods - should consider testing their tap water for lead. Homes built before 1950 are at the highest risk of having lead service lines.

Housing Age Distribution

350,327 total housing units across 274 ZIP codes:

Era Units Share
Pre-1940 112,999 32%
1940–1949 38,618 11%
1950–1959 42,168 12%
1960–1969 36,217 10%
1970–1979 23,044 7%
1980–1989 15,937 5%
1990–1999 11,311 3%
2000–2009 27,174 8%
2010–2019 40,360 12%
2020+ 2,499 1%

Flood Risk

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program data for Washington:

  • 503 flood insurance claims on record
  • $5,657,698 total paid out
  • $11,248 average claim payout
  • Dominant FEMA flood zone: X (Low risk)
  • 5 of 274 ZIP codes in high-risk flood zones (A/V)

Radon Risk

Dominant EPA radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)

  • Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
  • Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
  • Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Neighborhoods by Safety Score

Safest Areas

ZIP Code Safety Score Grade Violations
20003 72/100 B 33
20004 72/100 B 33
20005 72/100 B 33
20006 72/100 B 33
20024 72/100 B 33
20027 72/100 B 33
20032 72/100 B 33
20036 72/100 B 33
20037 72/100 B 33
20230 72/100 B 33

Areas Needing Attention

ZIP Code Safety Score Grade Violations
20019 62/100 C 33
20007 62/100 C 33
20020 67/100 C 33
20018 67/100 C 33
20017 67/100 C 33
20016 67/100 C 33
20015 67/100 C 33
20012 67/100 C 33
20011 67/100 C 33
20010 67/100 C 33

What Washington Residents Can Do

Test Your Water

  • Order a certified lab test - home test kits cost $20–50 and cover lead, bacteria, and common contaminants
  • Request your utility's CCR (Consumer Confidence Report) - your water provider must publish this annually
  • Check your ZIP code - each area in Washington has different water systems and risk levels

Filter Your Water

  • NSF-certified pitcher filter removes chlorine taste and some contaminants ($20–40)
  • NSF 53-certified filter for lead - recommended for homes built before 1986
  • Reverse osmosis system removes 95%+ of contaminants including lead, PFAS, and nitrates ($150–400)

Test for Radon

  • Washington is in a high-risk radon area
  • Short-term radon test kits cost $10–25
  • If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, EPA recommends professional mitigation

Stay Informed

All ZIP Codes in Washington

  • 20001 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20002 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20003 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20004 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20005 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20006 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20007 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20008 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20009 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20010 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20011 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20012 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20013 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20015 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20016 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20017 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20018 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20019 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20020 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20022 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20023 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20024 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20026 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20027 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20029 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20030 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20032 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20033 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20035 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20036 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20037 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20038 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20039 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20040 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20041 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20042 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20043 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20044 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20045 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20046 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20047 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20049 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20050 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20051 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20052 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20053 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20055 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20056 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20057 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20058 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20059 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20060 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20061 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20062 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20063 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20064 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20065 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20066 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20067 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20068 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20069 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20070 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20071 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20073 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20074 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20075 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20076 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20077 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20078 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20080 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20081 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20082 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20088 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20090 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20091 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20097 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20098 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20201 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20202 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20203 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20204 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20206 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20207 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20208 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20210 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20211 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20212 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20213 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20214 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20215 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20216 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20217 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20218 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20219 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20220 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20221 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20222 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20223 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20224 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20226 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20227 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20228 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20229 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20230 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20232 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20233 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20235 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20237 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20238 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20239 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20240 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20241 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20242 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20244 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20245 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20250 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20251 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20252 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20254 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20260 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20261 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20262 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20265 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20266 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20268 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20270 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20277 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20289 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20299 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20301 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20303 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20306 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20307 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20310 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20314 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20317 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20318 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20319 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20330 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20340 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20350 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20355 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20370 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20372 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20375 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20380 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20389 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20390 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20392 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20393 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20394 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20395 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20401 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20402 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20403 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20404 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20405 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20406 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20407 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20408 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20409 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20410 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20411 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20412 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20413 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20414 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20415 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20416 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20417 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20418 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20419 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20420 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20421 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20422 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20423 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20424 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20425 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20426 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20427 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20428 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20429 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20431 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20433 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20434 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20435 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20436 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20437 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20439 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20440 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20441 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20442 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20444 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20447 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20451 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20453 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20456 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20460 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20463 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20468 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20469 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20470 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20472 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20500 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20501 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20502 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20503 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20504 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20505 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20506 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20507 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20508 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20509 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20510 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20511 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20515 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20520 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20521 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20522 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20523 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20524 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20525 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20526 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20527 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20528 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20529 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20530 [B] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20531 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20532 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20533 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20534 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20535 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20536 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20537 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20538 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20539 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20540 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20541 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20542 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20543 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20544 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20546 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20547 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20548 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20549 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20551 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20552 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20553 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20554 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20555 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20557 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20558 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20559 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20560 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20565 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20566 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20570 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20571 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20572 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20573 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20575 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20576 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20577 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20578 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20579 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20580 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20581 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20585 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20586 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20590 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20591 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20593 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20594 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20597 [C] - 33 violations ⚠
  • 20599 [C] - 33 violations ⚠

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tap water safe to drink in Washington, DC?

Washington has an average Home Safety Score of 69/100 (grade C) across 274 ZIP codes. There are 9042 recorded EPA violations, 1644 of which are health-based. Safety varies by neighborhood - check your specific ZIP code report for details.

Does Washington have lead in the water?

The average 90th-percentile lead level across Washington is 0.0010 mg/L, below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. No ZIP codes currently exceed the EPA lead action level. About 73% of housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned.

Is Washington at risk for flooding?

FEMA data shows 503 flood insurance claims in Washington ZIP codes, with an average payout of $11,248. 5 of 274 ZIP codes are in high-risk FEMA flood zones (A or V).

Are there lead pipes in Washington homes?

73% of Washington housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was common in plumbing. 39% was built before 1950, when lead pipes were standard. The most common estimated pipe material is Galvanized Steel or Copper. The estimated probability of lead service lines is 21%. We recommend testing your water if your home was built before 1986.

What contaminants have been found in Washington water?

The most common contaminants by violation count are Consumer Confidence Report Rule, E. coli, Surface Water Treatment Rule. Across 274 ZIP codes, 274 have recorded EPA violations. Check your ZIP code report for the specific contaminants in your area.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Washington Infrastructure Age

1956
Median Build Year
Galvanized Steel or Copper
Likely Pipe Material

Median build year of 1956 means many homes predate lead paint and lead solder regulations. Consider testing if your home has original plumbing.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).

Housing Age Profile

Compared to many older metro areas, Washington carries a relatively newer housing profile - the median build year of 1956 places most of the stock in the post-1986 era when lead solder was federally banned from new plumbing. That shift meaningfully reduces the baseline likelihood of lead leaching from copper joint solder. Homes from before 1986 do still exist in the mix, however, and individual testing remains the only way to confirm what a specific tap actually delivers.

1956
Median Year Built
0%
Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)
0%
Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)

Most homes in Washington were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.

Washington: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations

0.001
mg/L Avg Lead (Limit: 0.015)

Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.

Lead risk in Washington appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

Washington: Flood History & Water Damage Risk

The National Flood Insurance Program captures decades of claims at the local level, building a record of cumulative community flood exposure. For Washington, that record documents 503 claims and 0% of ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated flood zones. What makes those numbers relevant to water quality is the set of mechanisms flooding activates: heavy precipitation that floods treatment intake zones can introduce contaminants upstream of normal filtration; well casings in low-lying areas can be infiltrated by floodwaters carrying bacteria, sediment, and chemical residue; and distribution system pressure changes during flooding can create backflow conditions. These effects become more probable as flood frequency and magnitude increase - and the NFIP record indicates both are meaningful factors locally.

503
Total FEMA Flood Claims
~25
Est. Claims/Year

Washington has a moderate flood history with 503 FEMA claims. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.

How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure.

Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones - over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.

Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.

What You Can Do in Washington

  1. Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages - your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
  2. Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
  3. Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.

Deep Dive Reports

Detailed analysis for Washington, DC

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink in Washington, DC?
Washington has an average water safety score of 69/100 (Grade C). 9042 EPA violations have been recorded. Check individual ZIP code reports for details specific to your neighborhood.
How many water violations does Washington have?
Washington water systems have a total of 9042 EPA violations, including 1644 health-based violations. Violations are tracked across 274 ZIP codes.
Does Washington water have lead?
The average 90th-percentile lead level in Washington is 0.001 mg/L. This is below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. Lead levels can vary by home - testing is recommended especially in older properties.
How many water systems serve Washington?
Washington is served by 4 public water systems across 274 ZIP codes, serving approximately 671,768 people.
Home → Cities → District of Columbia → Washington, DC

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Washington, DC: 1644 Health Violations - 69/100 (2026). https://zipcheckup.com/cities/dc/washington/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-cities-dc-washington,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Washington, DC: 1644 Health Violations - 69/100 (2026)}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/cities/dc/washington/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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