Is Dowell, MD Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 67/100
Score 67/100 · Risk: low · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Dowell has low overall risk for homebuyers. Most safety indicators are within acceptable ranges.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
What is a home safety score?
Home Safety Score model 4.0.0 combines EPA SDWIS identity plus accepted ECHO SDWA lifecycle-based water compliance, UCMR5 PFAS, EPA radon zone, and annual AQI with complete coverage. Dowell scores 67/100 with a "low" risk level.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Dowell is covered by a single ZIP code, so one safety score applies citywide.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20629 | 67 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Dowell, Maryland has low overall risk under the current model. The average Home Safety Score is 67/100 across 1 ZIP code. The model covers water compliance, PFAS screening, radon, and annual air quality; property-level conditions still require inspection.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Dowell's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 0 EPA violations across 1 direct ZIP records | No violations in available records |
| Lead Risk | 0.0000 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | Claim-zone summary unavailable | No data |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 32 (Good) | Low risk |
Dowell vs. Nearby Maryland Cities
How Dowell's overall risk compares to similar cities in Maryland:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dowell | C | 0 | N/A | 1,067 |
| Tall Timbers | N/A | N/A | 26 | 1,046 |
| Solomons | C | 0 | 21 | 1,113 |
| Tracys Landing | N/A | N/A | 5 | 1,010 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Dowell
Before purchasing a home in Dowell, Maryland, complete these checks:
Water Quality
- Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from the water utility
- Test tap water for lead, bacteria, and nitrates ($20-$50 for DIY kit)
Radon
- Conduct a radon test ($15-$30 for short-term kit, $150-$300 for professional)
- Dowell is in Radon Zone 1 (High risk) - testing is strongly recommended
Flood Risk
- Check the property's FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov
- Ask about flood history and past insurance claims
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
General
- Check for carbon monoxide detectors on every level
- Inspect for visible mold, water stains, or musty odors
- Verify the home's connection to a regulated public water system
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA SDWIS
- Lead: EPA Lead and Copper Rule
- Flood: FEMA NFIP
- Radon: EPA Radon Zones
- Air quality: EPA AirNow
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25077
- Remediation costs: National cost model (EPA, Census, FEMA data)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
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