Takoma Park, MD: High Radon Risk — 47/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Federal monitoring data for Takoma Park puts the city in MD's lower safety tier — exceedances show up in multiple utility districts, several systems have met thresholds requiring public notification under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the compliance deficit has persisted across more than one consecutive reporting cycle, with no clear reversal visible in the most recent data available.
How Takoma Park Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Takoma Park Water: The Quick Version
- Estimated remediation: $2,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.24.
Water Systems Serving Takoma Park
Takoma Park, MD draws its residential water from 2 separate providers among the 2 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Takoma Park, Maryland (population ~25,428), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,901,248 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Takoma Park — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Takoma Park: 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
Takoma Park water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Takoma Park
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20912 | D | WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION | 1,900,000 |
| 20913 | D | FAIRLAND CROSSING APARTMENTS | 1,248 |
All ZIP Codes in Takoma Park
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 Takoma Park
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
Takoma Park: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Takoma Park, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in Takoma Park 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 57% above the Maryland average.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Takoma Park
Flood exposure in Takoma Park is meaningful by NFIP measures — 10 claims on record and 50% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Takoma Park has a moderate flood history with 10 FEMA claims averaging $4,085 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 Takoma Park
- 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 Takoma Park, MD