Worst Infrastructure: Baltimore Metro — 2026

Out of 33 ZIP codes with infrastructure data in the Baltimore metro area, these areas face the highest estimated risk of water pipe failure based on infrastructure age, funding gaps, and violation history.

Statistic	Value
ZIP codes ranked	33
Highest risk	NaN%
Median risk	NaN%
Average risk	NaN%

Top 33 Highest Risk ZIP Codes

Rank	ZIP Code	City	State	Pipe Failure Risk	Risk Level	Safety Score
1	21042	Ellicott City	MD	NaN%	Unknown	48/100
2	21043	Ellicott City	MD	NaN%	Unknown	63/100
3	21044	Columbia	MD	NaN%	Unknown	—
4	21045	Columbia	MD	NaN%	Unknown	66/100
5	21046	Columbia	MD	NaN%	Unknown	66/100
6	21201	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
7	21202	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
8	21204	Towson	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
9	21205	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
10	21206	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
11	21209	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
12	21210	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	62/100
13	21211	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	62/100
14	21212	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
15	21213	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
16	21214	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
17	21215	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
18	21216	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
19	21217	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
20	21218	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
21	21223	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
22	21224	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
23	21229	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	60/100
24	21230	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
25	21231	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
26	21233	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
27	21239	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
28	21250	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
29	21251	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
30	21252	Towson	MD	NaN%	Unknown	—
31	21285	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	—
32	21286	Towson	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100
33	21287	Baltimore	MD	NaN%	Unknown	64/100

Methodology

Infrastructure risk rankings combine four data sources, each weighted equally (25%): (1) EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey (DWINS 2023) — state-level 20-year funding gap per capita for pipe replacement, treatment, and storage; (2) Census ACS housing vintage — percentage of homes built before 1980, when lead solder and galvanized pipes were common; (3) EPA SDWIS violation and enforcement data — system-level compliance history; (4) Lead and Copper Rule indicators — service line material inventories and 90th percentile lead testing results. The combined score is normalized to a 0-100% probability scale.

Data sources: EPA DWINS 2023, Census ACS, EPA SDWIS, Lead and Copper Rule data. Last updated: 2026-08-31.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does pipe failure probability mean?

Pipe failure probability estimates the likelihood of water main breaks, lead contamination from corroded pipes, or service disruptions based on infrastructure age, state funding gaps, violation history, and lead indicators. It is not a prediction of imminent failure, but a risk assessment based on known factors.

How is infrastructure risk calculated?

The risk score combines four equally weighted factors: state-level infrastructure funding gap per capita (from EPA DWINS 2023), housing vintage (Census ACS pre-1980 housing percentage), water system violation and enforcement history (EPA SDWIS), and lead exposure indicators (service line probability and testing results).

What can homeowners do about aging infrastructure?

Test your tap water annually, especially for lead. Check if your home has a lead service line through your water utility. Consider a whole-house water filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified). Review your water system Consumer Confidence Report for violation history.

Does high risk mean my water is unsafe right now?

Not necessarily. Infrastructure risk indicates long-term vulnerability, not current contamination. However, areas with aging pipes and high violation counts have a statistically higher chance of water quality issues. Regular testing is the best way to verify your water safety.