Olney, MD: High Radon Risk — 47/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Olney, 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 Olney Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Olney Water: The Quick Version
- Estimated remediation: $2,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.24.
Water Systems Serving Olney
2 water systems are tracked federally in Olney, MD. The top 2 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Olney, Maryland (population ~25,766), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,901,248 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Olney — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Olney: D (47/100)
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
Olney water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Olney
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20830 | D | FAIRLAND CROSSING APARTMENTS | 1,248 |
| 20832 | D | WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION | 1,900,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Olney
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 Olney
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
Olney: Remediation Cost in Perspective
When remediation costs are measured against Olney home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.
Remediation costs in Olney are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,500–$3,200 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 41% above the Maryland average.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Olney
Multiple flood events have been recorded for Olney through the NFIP — 6 claims in total, with 50% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated zones — pointing to a flood exposure profile that merits inclusion in a water quality assessment without reaching high-severity planning territory.
Olney has a moderate flood history with 6 FEMA claims averaging $2,248 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>$2,300</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 Olney
- 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 Olney, MD