Burke, VA: High Radon Risk — 43/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
A meaningful share of water systems in Burke have recorded health-based violations in recent VA monitoring periods — placing the city in the lower tier for tap water safety.
How Burke Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Burke Water
- Estimated remediation: $2,100 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.75.
Who Supplies Your Water in Burke
Most residential addresses in Burke, VA are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Burke, Virginia (population ~44,730), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,121,613 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Burke — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Burke: 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
Burke water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Burke
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22009 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 22015 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
All ZIP Codes in Burke
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 Burke
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Burke Homeowners
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Burke, the resulting ratio is low — a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in Burke are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,400–$2,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 113% above the Virginia average.
Flood & Climate Risk in Burke
Flood exposure in Burke is meaningful by NFIP measures — 45 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.
Burke has a moderate flood history with 45 FEMA claims averaging $801 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>$2,100</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 Burke
- 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 Burke, VA