20854
Potomac, MD
Montgomery County · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area
CITY OF ROCKVILLE

Is tap water in District 10 (20854) safe to drink?

Higher concern
Last tested: June 2024
Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data. Last tested June 2024.
CDP:
Townships:
  • District 10, MD
  • District 6, MD
  • District 4, MD
Neighborhood:
  • Potomac

The short answer for District 10 (20854)

Potomac tap water has 2 contaminants above EPA guidelines, including PFPeA at 2.2× the limit (tested December 2023). See the full compound-by-compound breakdown and filter recommendations.

The health risk for Potomac

PFAS ('forever chemicals') have been detected above EPA limits in this water system's most recent tests. These synthetic chemicals do not break down in the body and are linked to a range of health effects. A certified filter is strongly recommended.
  • PFPeA above limit.
PFPeA concentration (µg/L) December 2023
0 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L
0.006 µg/L
Detected
µg/L
0.003 µg/L
EPA limit
guideline
117% above limit
Comparison
vs. guideline
EPA limit: 0.003 µg/L | Your water: 0.006 µg/L
Certified Filters for Potomac Tap Water

PFPeA (a PFAS 'forever chemical') was detected above EPA limits. These filters are independently certified to reduce common drinking-water contaminants.

Water filter recommendation for Potomac tap water: Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
Pitcher filter
Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 & P473Removes 99.99% PFASMade in USABPA-free
Best for renters or quick setup. No installation needed.
Get the Epic Pure XP →
Most elevated compounds
Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFPeA
Tested: December 2023 · Potomac Filter Plant		 0.006 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 117% above limit
PFPeA
Tested: June 2024 · Potomac Water Filtration Plant		 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 37% above limit
View all tested compounds

Potomac Filter Plant · Tested: December 2023

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFPeA 0.006 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 117% above limit
PFHxA 0.006 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.2% of limit
PFBA 0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L 0.1% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFOS <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Potomac Water Filtration Plant · Tested: Multiple dates

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFPeA 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 37% above limit
PFHxA 0.004 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.1% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFOS <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Patuxent Water Filtration Plant · Tested: January 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxA <0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFOS <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Water utilities serving ZIP 20854

Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.

Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline. Outlines appear when service-area boundary data is available for this ZIP.

Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP 20854 Tap Water

What contaminants are above EPA limits in ZIP 20854?

ZIP 20854 has 2 contaminants above EPA health guidelines in the latest available data, including PFPeA at 2.2x the EPA guideline. The full table on this page lists every tested compound and its measured level.

Will boiling ZIP 20854 tap water remove PFPeA?

No. Boiling does not remove PFAS, and the compounds can actually become more concentrated as water evaporates. To reduce PFAS at home, use a filter independently certified to NSF/ANSI P473 (activated-carbon pitcher or under-sink) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis).

Do basic pitcher filters remove PFPeA?

Most basic pitcher filters are only certified to NSF/ANSI 42 or 53, which do not cover PFAS. Look for a filter independently certified to NSF/ANSI P473 (activated-carbon pitcher or under-sink) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) on the spec sheet.

Who provides tap water in ZIP 20854?

Public records identify CITY OF ROCKVILLE as a primary water system associated with ZIP 20854. Service boundaries can vary by address, so confirm exact service with the utility.

When was ZIP 20854 tap water last tested?

The most recent test date used in this report is June 2024. EnviroClarity last refreshed this page on 2026-05-05.

Where can I find the official water quality report for ZIP 20854?

Every U.S. public water system is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Contact CITY OF ROCKVILLE or visit their website for the latest official report covering ZIP 20854. The EPA also maintains a national CCR locator.

Primary source EPA UCMR5 (2023-2025)
Guideline source EPA drinking water standard (PFPeA: 0,003 µg/L)
Last tested June 2024
Last page update 2026-05-05

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    Data reflects publicly reported utility records from EPA datasets and local utility disclosures. This information is educational and not medical advice.

    Protect your water in Potomac → see certified filters