Bel Alton, MD: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Bel Alton, water quality data indicates below-average safety by MD standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Bel Alton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Bel Alton Water
- Homes built before 1986: 52% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.16 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Bel Alton
One utility dominates residential water service in Bel Alton, MD — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bel Alton, Maryland, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,128 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Bel Alton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bel Alton: D (40/100)
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
Bel Alton water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Bel Alton
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20611 | D | CHARLES COUNTY GARDENS WATER | 551 |
All ZIP Codes in Bel Alton
- 20611 [D]
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.
Health Outcomes in Bel Alton
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Bel Alton
With 52% 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 lead that enters tap water in older homes often comes not from the municipal supply but from the home's own plumbing — from solder used in copper joints before the 1986 federal ban, or from lead pipes installed before 1970. In Bel Alton, where the median build year is 1985, these older materials are widespread. More than half the residential stock predates the 1986 solder ban, and a significant fraction predates 1970 as well. For residents in those homes, the city-wide water quality picture is a less relevant frame than the specific materials inside their own walls and under their own street.
Over half of homes in Bel Alton 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Bel Alton Homeowners
Low proportionality — that's the Bel Alton picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Bel Alton are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 7% below the Maryland average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Bel Alton
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.
Locally, 52% of Bel Alton homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Bel Alton
- 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 52% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bel Alton, MD