Greenbelt, MD: High Radon Risk — 44/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Greenbelt, EPA data shows a below-average compliance pattern for MD — health-based violations are on file in several areas, and checking the specific system serving your address is a practical first step for concerned residents.
How Greenbelt Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Greenbelt Residents
- Estimated remediation: $1,933 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.05 — above typical levels.
Greenbelt's Water Providers
As of current federal records, Greenbelt, MD is served primarily by one water utility among 1 tracked system. That single provider handles infrastructure investment, rate adjustments, and regulatory reporting under EPA oversight.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Greenbelt, Maryland (population ~28,181), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,900,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Greenbelt — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Greenbelt: D (44/100)
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
Greenbelt water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Greenbelt
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20768 | D | WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION | 1,900,000 |
| 20770 | D | WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION | 1,900,000 |
| 20771 | D | WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION | 1,900,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Greenbelt
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.
Greenbelt Community Health Snapshot
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
How Remediation Costs Compare in Greenbelt
Across Greenbelt, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Greenbelt are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,267–$2,633 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 42% below the Maryland average.
Greenbelt: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Greenbelt shows a moderate flood record — 4 claims and 33% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Greenbelt has a moderate flood history with 4 FEMA claims averaging $1,021 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>$1,933</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 Greenbelt
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Greenbelt, MD