Fairfax, VA: High Radon Risk — 47/100 (2026)
9 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent EPA cycles, Fairfax shows a persistent below-average water quality pattern within VA — documented violations span multiple service areas and have appeared consistently across reporting periods.
How Fairfax Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Fairfax, VA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Fairfax.
Fairfax Water: The Quick Version
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.63.
Water Systems Serving Fairfax
Residential addresses in Fairfax, VA are served by 2 primary water providers out of 2 systems in federal records. Each system maintains separate infrastructure and files its own EPA compliance reports, so service conditions are not uniform across the city.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 9 ZIP codes in Fairfax, Virginia (population ~165,289), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,124,253 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Fairfax — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fairfax: 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
Fairfax water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Fairfax
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 8 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 1 ZIP code
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22030 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 22031 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 22032 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 22033 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 22034 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 22035 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 22036 | C | WAVERLY, TOWN OF | 2,640 |
| 22037 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 22038 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
All ZIP Codes in Fairfax
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 Fairfax
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
Fairfax: Remediation Cost in Perspective
When remediation costs are measured against Fairfax 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 Fairfax are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,213 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 127% above the Virginia average.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Fairfax
FEMA data shows 56% of Fairfax's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 135 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Fairfax has a moderate flood history with 135 FEMA claims averaging $14,003 per payout. 56% 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>$2,400</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 Fairfax
- 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 Fairfax, VA