Water Quality in College Park, MD: No Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 46/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
College Park's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Every water system supplying College Park, MD appears in federal EPA tracking — and all 2 carry a violation-free record with no MCL exceedances, no reportable monitoring failures, and no active enforcement actions on file in any compliance period.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in College Park
Water quality varies across College Park's 3 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20742 | D | 40 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 20740 | D | 45 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 20741 | D | 53 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
College Park, Maryland receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 46 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 2 water systems serving College Park. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. College Park's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for College Park is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 82% of homes built before 1986, College Park has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
College Park is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving College Park
College Park is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 26,248 people across 3 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
How to Check Your Water in College Park
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
College Park vs. Nearby Maryland Cities
How College Park's water quality compares to similar cities in Maryland:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Park | D | 0 | 2 | 26,248 |
| Hyattsville | D | 0 | 2 | 26,248 |
| Riverdale | D | 0 | 2 | 26,248 |
| Upper Marlboro | D | 0 | 2 | 25,810 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in College Park
Water quality varies across College Park's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
Common Questions About College Park Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in College Park, Maryland:
Is College Park water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. College Park's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink College Park tap water? College Park's water receives a grade of D (46/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for College Park? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
College Park vs. Maryland Average
Understanding how College Park compares to the broader Maryland average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within College Park.
ZIP Codes in College Park
College Park spans 3 ZIP codes. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.