Reston, VA: High Radon Risk — 45/100 (2026)
6 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Reston ranks below average for tap water safety in VA — health-based violations are documented across multiple service areas in recent EPA monitoring data.
How Reston Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Reston, VA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Reston's 6 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Reston Residents
- Estimated remediation: $2,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.75.
Reston's Water Providers
Consolidated water delivery characterizes Reston, VA: among 1 system in federal records, one utility holds the dominant service position — carrying the rate-setting authority, the infrastructure obligations, and the EPA reporting burden for most residential addresses.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 6 ZIP codes in Reston, Virginia (population ~64,503), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,121,613 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Reston — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Reston: D (45/100)
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
Reston water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Reston
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 20191 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 20194 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 20195 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 20196 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
| 22096 | D | FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,121,613 |
All ZIP Codes in Reston
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.
Reston 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 Reston
How much of a Reston home's value does documented remediation represent? A small fraction — the equity share here is in the low tier, and from a household financial perspective, most property owners are considering a commitment that fits comfortably within standard planning rather than a decision that rises to the level of a material budget event or significant equity consideration.
Remediation costs in Reston are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,533–$3,050 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 97% above the Virginia average.
Reston: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood history in Reston spans 30 NFIP claims and 50% flood zone coverage — enough to place it in moderate-exposure territory where flood events are genuinely recurring rather than statistical outliers. That distinction matters for water quality assessment because the connection between flooding and water safety is not uniform across communities. In low-exposure areas, flooding rarely generates the conditions needed to compromise treatment or distribution infrastructure. In high-exposure areas, it can do so repeatedly. Moderate-exposure communities sit in between: flood events occur with enough frequency to make periodic infrastructure stress a reasonable concern, particularly for private well owners and residents in lower-elevation FEMA-designated zones.
Reston has a moderate flood history with 30 FEMA claims averaging $3,398 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 Reston
- 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 Reston, VA