Patuxent River, MD: 3 Violations — 80/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current MD EPA data, Patuxent River's tap water sits in the high-safety tier.
How Patuxent River Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Patuxent River Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 3 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: -0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 47% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.51 — above typical levels.
Patuxent River's Water Providers
Water supply in Patuxent River, MD follows a divided structure: 2 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 2 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Patuxent River, Maryland (population ~1,577), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 65,030 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Patuxent River: B (80/100)
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
Patuxent River water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): -0.0020 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20670 | B | 3 | 0 | Patuxent Naval Air Station (navfac-wash) |
All ZIP Codes in Patuxent River
- 20670 [B] — 3 violations
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.
Patuxent River 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
What's in Patuxent River's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Patuxent River Infrastructure Age
With 47% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
What does a median build year of 1997 mean for water safety in Patuxent River? It means the housing stock straddles two key plumbing thresholds: the 1986 federal ban on lead solder in copper plumbing, and the pre-1970 era when lead pipes were commonly installed for service lines. A meaningful share of homes predates one or both of those cutoffs, creating varied risk levels across the city's housing inventory.
Most homes in Patuxent River 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.
Patuxent River: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Locally, 47% of Patuxent River homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Patuxent River: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood exposure in Patuxent River is limited — NFIP data records a modest claim total, keeping major water-quality disruption from flooding well outside the typical planning horizon for most residents.
Patuxent River has a relatively low flood history with 1 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
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>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Patuxent River, MD