Mardela Springs, MD Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-04
Water utilities in Mardela Springs have maintained a consistent compliance record over recent monitoring periods — the city's above-average grade in MD reflects low violation rates and no systemic health concerns flagged in current data.
How Mardela Springs Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
What You Should Know About Mardela Springs Water
- Homes built before 1986: 49% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.44 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Mardela Springs
As of current federal records, Mardela Springs, 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 1 ZIP code in Mardela Springs, Maryland, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,975 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Mardela Springs — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mardela Springs: B (73/100)
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
Mardela Springs water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Mardela Springs
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21837 | B | TOWN OF SHARPTOWN | 625 |
All ZIP Codes in Mardela Springs
- 21837 [B]
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 Mardela Springs
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 Mardela Springs
With 49% 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 story of Mardela Springs's housing stock is one of layered development — neighborhoods built in different decades, each carrying the plumbing standards of their era. The median build year of 1982 reflects that layered character. Before 1986, lead solder was standard in copper plumbing; before 1970, lead pipes were commonly used for service lines. A substantial portion of the pre-1986 homes visible in the distribution above still carry the plumbing materials of those earlier standards — creating a risk environment that the city-wide aggregate water data doesn't fully capture.
Most homes in Mardela Springs were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Mardela Springs Homeowners
What does remediation cost in financial context for Mardela Springs homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in Mardela Springs are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 52% below the Maryland average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Mardela Springs
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.
Even where utility-side monitoring meets Lead and Copper Rule requirements, the 49% pre-rule share in Mardela Springs keeps interior-plumbing variation as a household-level question that aggregate data cannot resolve.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Mardela Springs
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Mardela Springs falls in moderate-exposure territory — 6 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Mardela Springs has a moderate flood history with 6 FEMA claims averaging $747 per payout. 100% 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>$1,200</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Mardela Springs, MD