College Park, MD: High Radon Risk — 46/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to MD averages, College Park scores below the baseline — health violations appear more frequently than the norm and the city's grade reflects that ongoing shortfall.
How College Park Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About College Park Water
- Homes built before 1986: 82% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,667 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.05 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in College Park
Residential water service in College Park, MD is divided among 3 separate utilities, drawn from 3 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in College Park, Maryland (population ~40,888), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 1,926,248 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in College Park — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for College Park: D (46/100)
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
College Park water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for College Park
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 1 ZIP code
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20740 | D | WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION | 1,900,000 |
| 20741 | D | CITY OF BOWIE | 25,000 |
| 20742 | D | WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION | 1,900,000 |
All ZIP Codes in College Park
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 College Park
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 College Park
With 82% 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
Decades of residential development in College Park took place before the two main regulatory milestones that reduced plumbing-era lead risk: the phase-out of lead pipes before 1970, and the federal ban on lead solder in 1986. With a median build year of 1972, the housing stock here is anchored in that earlier period. The distinction between pre-1970 and 1970-to-1986 construction matters: the oldest homes may have lead pipes in the service line and lead solder in the copper joints, while the 1970-to-1986 tier still carries the solder risk even after lead pipes became less common. Together, these two risk layers affect a majority of the residential properties in the city — a fact the aggregate water quality data doesn't directly reveal.
Over half of homes in College Park 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 College Park Homeowners
Within the College Park market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in College Park are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,000–$2,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 2% below the Maryland average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in College Park
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.
Although utility-side compliance with federal Lead and Copper requirements remains the system reference, that compliance does not extend down into interior plumbing. With 82% of College Park stock built before the solder ban and aggregate readings at or beyond the action mark, a household-level sample becomes the practical way to close that information gap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in College Park
A moderate NFIP record for College Park — 31 insurance claims paired with 33% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
College Park has a moderate flood history with 31 FEMA claims averaging $4,619 per payout. 33% 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>$1,667</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 College Park
- 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 82% 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 College Park, MD