Riverdale, MD: High Radon Risk — 47/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Riverdale, EPA compliance records fall well below MD averages — documented health-based violations affect multiple service areas, and the city's sustained low grade reflects a persistent pattern across reporting cycles.
How Riverdale Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Riverdale Residents
- Estimated remediation: $1,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.05 — above typical levels.
Riverdale's Water Providers
Across Riverdale, MD, residential water comes from 3 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 3 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Riverdale, Maryland (population ~24,987), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 1,926,248 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Riverdale — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Riverdale: 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
Riverdale water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Riverdale
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 1 ZIP code
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 1 ZIP code
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20737 | D | WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION | 1,900,000 |
| 20738 | D | CITY OF BOWIE | 25,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Riverdale
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.
Riverdale 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 Riverdale
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Riverdale is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Riverdale are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$2,850 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 13% below the Maryland average.
Riverdale: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, Riverdale shows 63 claims and 50% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding — contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow — move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
Riverdale has a moderate flood history with 63 FEMA claims averaging $5,953 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>$1,900</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 Riverdale
- 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 Riverdale, MD