Lanham, MD Water Safety: 52/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike better-scoring cities in MD, Lanham records health-based violations across a meaningful portion of its service areas — the overall safety grade is well below average.
How Lanham Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Lanham Residents
- Estimated remediation: $1,250 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.05 — above typical levels.
Lanham's Water Providers
Water service in Lanham, MD is split across 2 utilities out of 2 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Lanham, Maryland (population ~43,225), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,925,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Lanham — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lanham: D (52/100)
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
Lanham water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Lanham
- 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): 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20703 | D | CITY OF BOWIE | 25,000 |
| 20706 | D | WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION | 1,900,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Lanham
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.
Lanham Community Health Snapshot
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
How Remediation Costs Compare in Lanham
In Lanham, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in Lanham are relatively low compared to home values. The $550–$2,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 4% below the Maryland average.
Lanham: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Although Lanham's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 61 claims and FEMA maps place 50% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Lanham has a moderate flood history with 61 FEMA claims averaging $3,800 per payout. 50% 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>$1,250</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 Lanham
- 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.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Lanham, MD