Capitol Heights, MD Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Capitol Heights, safety results are uneven — a portion carry active or recent violations, while others meet federal standards without incident, placing the city in the middle tier for MD.
How Capitol Heights Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Capitol Heights, MD
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Capitol Heights.
Capitol Heights Water: The Quick Version
- Estimated remediation: $1,080 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.05 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Capitol Heights
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Capitol Heights, MD's residential water connections out of 2 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in Capitol Heights, Maryland (population ~39,439), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,925,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Capitol Heights — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Capitol Heights: C (55/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Capitol Heights water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Capitol Heights
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 5 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20731 | D | CITY OF BOWIE | 25,000 |
| 20743 | C | WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION | 1,900,000 |
| 20790 | D | CITY OF BOWIE | 25,000 |
| 20791 | D | CITY OF BOWIE | 25,000 |
| 20799 | C | CITY OF BOWIE | 25,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Capitol Heights
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Capitol Heights
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Capitol Heights: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Equity impact data for Capitol Heights lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Capitol Heights are relatively low compared to home values. The $440–$1,840 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 26% below the Maryland average.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Capitol Heights
Flood risk in Capitol Heights occupies the middle ground: 48 NFIP claims and 40% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Capitol Heights has a moderate flood history with 48 FEMA claims averaging $4,519 per payout. 40% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. 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. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,080</strong> remediation cost per household.
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 Capitol Heights
- 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.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- 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 Capitol Heights, MD