ZIP Code 20854 Water Quality & Testing Report
Potomac, MD · Montgomery County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 20854 (Potomac, MD)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 20854 (Potomac, MD) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of F (35/100) due to 0 health violation(s) and 34.0 ppb lead. While treated by WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Failing — Serious compliance issues
Health Violations
0
Total Violations
0
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
0
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 20854
Tap water in ZIP code 20854 (Potomac, MD) is distributed by WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION (EPA ID: MD0150005), serving approximately 1,900,000 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of F with a composite quality score of 35/100.
Water System
WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION
EPA ID: MD0150005
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
1,900,000 residents
County
Montgomery County County, Maryland
Lead Levels in ZIP 20854
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 34.0 ppb — EXCEEDS EPA Action Level
Lead exposure risk in 20854 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 70% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 20854 is classified as Soft (52 mg/L / 3 GPG). Soft water produces abundant soap lather, prevents scale buildup in water heaters, and does not leave spots on dishes.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION · PWSID: MD0150005
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Low based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 20854 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
⚖ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Surface Water
This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.
Highest potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 20854
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 20854 served by WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Maryland Department of the Environment.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 20854 Recommendations
Serious water quality concerns — action recommended
- 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
- 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
- 🚨 Contact WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
- 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
- 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab
Recommended Water Treatment Systems:
NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter
Certified to remove lead. Recommended for immediate protection.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Reverse Osmosis system certified to remove PFAS, heavy metals, and viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 20854 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 20854?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 20854 (Potomac, MD)?+
How hard is the tap water in 20854?+
Should I test private well water in 20854?+
What is the lead level in 20854 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 20854?+
Who provides tap water to 20854?+
What water filter should I use in 20854?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 20854 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →