WATER QUALITY MD

Water Quality in Germantown, MD: No Violations — Grade D

Grade D · Score 46/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03

Germantown's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.

Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03

Not one violation appears in MD's EPA file for Germantown — 1 monitored system, all clear.

Water Grade

Total Violations

Water Systems

ZIPs with Violations

ZIP Codes Monitored

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Germantown

Water quality varies across Germantown's 3 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score
20875	D	40	View report →
20874	D	45	View report →
20876	D	53	View report →

Water Quality Overview

Germantown, 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 1 water system serving Germantown. 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. Germantown'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 Germantown is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.

Radon Risk

Germantown 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 Germantown

Germantown is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 96 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 Germantown

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

Germantown vs. Nearby Maryland Cities

How Germantown's water quality compares to similar cities in Maryland:

City	Grade	Systems	Population
Germantown	D	1	96
Bethesda	C	1	96
Cabin John	D	1	96
Chevy Chase	D	1	96

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Germantown

Water quality varies across Germantown's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:

ZIP Code	Score	Grade
20875	40	D
20874	45	D
20876	53	D

Common Questions About Germantown Water

These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Germantown, Maryland:

Is Germantown water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Germantown's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink Germantown tap water? Germantown'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 Germantown? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.

Germantown vs. Maryland Average

Understanding how Germantown 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 Germantown.

ZIP Codes in Germantown

Germantown 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Germantown tap water safe to drink?

Germantown's water receives a grade of D (46/100). 0 health-based violations have been recorded. Independent water testing and filtration are recommended.

What contaminants are found in Germantown water?

Germantown water systems have zero recorded violations. While this is excellent, the EPA recommends annual testing as contaminants can enter your water through home plumbing.

How many water violations does Germantown have?

Germantown has 0 total EPA violations across 1 water system. 0 of 3 ZIP codes have at least one violation.

How many water systems serve Germantown?

Germantown is served by 1 public water system supplying drinking water across 3 ZIP codes. Water quality can vary between systems — check your specific ZIP code for localized data.

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