Rocky Ridge, MD: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from Rocky Ridge, MD tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How Rocky Ridge Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Rocky Ridge Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 86% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.57.
Rocky Ridge's Water Providers
For most households in Rocky Ridge, MD, tap water comes from one provider — the utility that controls the local distribution system out of 1 tracked in federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Rocky Ridge, Maryland (population ~840), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 6,200 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Rocky Ridge — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Rocky Ridge: D (40/100)
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
Rocky Ridge water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Rocky Ridge
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21778 | D | TOWN OF THURMONT | 6,200 |
All ZIP Codes in Rocky Ridge
- 21778 [D]
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.
Rocky Ridge 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
Rocky Ridge Infrastructure Age
With 86% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
What does a median build year of 1961 mean for water safety in Rocky Ridge? It means the majority of the city's residential plumbing was installed before 1986, when lead solder was federally banned, and a large share may predate 1970, when lead pipes were commonly used — making plumbing age a central variable in household-level lead risk across much of the city.
Over half of homes in Rocky Ridge were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Rocky Ridge
In Rocky Ridge, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Rocky Ridge are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 3% below the Maryland average.
Rocky Ridge: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 86% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Rocky Ridge.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Rocky Ridge
- 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. With 86% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- 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 Rocky Ridge, MD