Water Quality in Potomac, MD: No Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 34/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Potomac's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
What does the EPA compliance record show for Potomac, MD? Zero violations documented across 2 water systems, with all health-based and monitoring thresholds met across all available federal records.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Potomac
Water quality varies across Potomac's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20859 | F | 33 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 20854 | F | 35 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Potomac, Maryland receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 34 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 Potomac. 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 F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Potomac's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Potomac water systems is 0.0340 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 2 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 65% of homes built before 1986, Potomac 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
Potomac 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 Potomac
Potomac is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 220 people across 2 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
The EPA has taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Potomac. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Potomac
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Potomac. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2021-08-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-08-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-06-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-06-30 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2021-08-13.
Potomac vs. Nearby Maryland Cities
How Potomac's water quality compares to similar cities in Maryland:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potomac | F | 0 | 2 | 220 |
| Keedysville | D | 0 | 1 | 220 |
| Rohrersville | D | 0 | 1 | 220 |
| Sharpsburg | C | 0 | 1 | 220 |
Common Questions About Potomac Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Potomac, Maryland:
Is Potomac water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Potomac's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Potomac tap water? Potomac's water receives a grade of F (34/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Potomac? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Potomac vs. Maryland Average
Understanding how Potomac 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 Potomac.
ZIP Codes in Potomac
Potomac spans 2 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.