Kensington, MD: High Radon Risk — 43/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Kensington, MD water systems: poor compliance record, lower-tier safety grade.
How Kensington Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Kensington Water: The Quick Version
- Estimated remediation: $2,050 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.24.
Water Systems Serving Kensington
Water delivery in Kensington, MD is handled by 2 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 2 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Kensington, Maryland (population ~19,042), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,901,248 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kensington — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kensington: D (43/100)
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
Kensington water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Kensington
- 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): 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20891 | D | FAIRLAND CROSSING APARTMENTS | 1,248 |
| 20895 | D | WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION | 1,900,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Kensington
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.
CDC Health Data for Kensington
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
Kensington: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, Kensington sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Kensington are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,350–$2,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 74% above the Maryland average.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Kensington
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Kensington shows a moderate flood record — 30 claims and 50% 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.
Kensington has a moderate flood history with 30 FEMA claims averaging $14,896 per payout. 50% 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>$2,050</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 Kensington
- 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 Kensington, MD