Towson, MD Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm across most of Towson, MD — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How Towson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Towson Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 72% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,533 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.61 — above typical levels.
Towson's Water Providers
While 1 water system appear in federal records for Towson, MD, one provider supplies the majority of residential connections — making it the central point of infrastructure and compliance accountability for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Towson, Maryland (population ~46,062), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,600,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Towson — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Towson: C (55/100)
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
Towson water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Towson
- 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): 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21204 | D | CITY OF BALTIMORE | 1,600,000 |
| 21252 | D | CITY OF BALTIMORE | 1,600,000 |
| 21286 | C | CITY OF BALTIMORE | 1,600,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Towson
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.
Towson 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
Towson Infrastructure Age
With 72% 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
The median home in Towson was built in 1972 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in Towson were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Towson
Because property values in Towson comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Towson are relatively low compared to home values. The $733–$2,533 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 34% above the Maryland average.
Towson: 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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 72% of Towson homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Towson: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
67% of ZIP codes in Towson are mapped into FEMA-designated flood zones, and the NFIP records 70 claims reflecting a multi-event flood history. That combination places local flood exposure in the range where water-quality implications deserve at least periodic attention.
Towson has a moderate flood history with 70 FEMA claims averaging $9,530 per payout. 67% 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>$1,533</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 Towson
- 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. With 72% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Towson, MD