Sandy Spring, MD: High Radon Potential Area - Home Safety 67/100
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated
ZipCheckup grade for Sandy Spring: C.
A mixed picture - some signals here are worth your attention.
Available records for Sandy Spring give it a middle-tier grade in MD; water systems can differ, so check the one that serves your home.
How Sandy Spring Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS
Sandy Spring Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 44% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $500 per household.
- Health risk index (ZipCheckup composite of CDC data): 10.24.
Water Systems Serving Sandy Spring
Which water system serves a particular address in Sandy Spring, MD? The water bill or the utility can confirm it; the list here shows one system, and federal data link 1 in total.
- C
Overview
We track home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sandy Spring, Maryland (population ~2,062), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,900,000 people region-wide. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 1 ZIP codes.
The available EPA record reports 0 violations for 1 ZIP code with a reported violation count.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sandy Spring: C (67/100)
Model 4.0.0 uses four measured components across three equally weighted domains. If a required domain is unavailable, no score is published:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| PFAS MCL Screen | UCMR 5 testing against the covered federal MCLs |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
| Annual AQI | EPA AirData county-year median with at least 90 observed days |
Water Sources
Sandy Spring water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: reported as 0 mg/L (a reported 0 is not proof of no lead; check the source record for its reporting limit) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 1 ZIP code with known status exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
1 of 1 ZIP records with known zones is in EPA Radon Zone 1.
The EPA recommends testing all homes regardless of radon zone. County radon zones cannot replace an in-home radon test.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20860 | C | Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission | 1,900,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Sandy Spring
- 20860 [C]
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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
CDC Health Data for Sandy Spring
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). County health indicators are shown for context only and are not linked to this area's water records.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Sandy Spring's Housing Stock?
With 44% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. Federal law banned lead solder in drinking-water plumbing in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Check your utility's service line inventory as well as your home's build year; in Sandy Spring, where the median build year is 1982, both pieces help.
Most homes in Sandy Spring were built after 1986; lead exposure at a tap still depends on its service line and plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Sandy Spring: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Of the three cost-context tiers - low, moderate and elevated - Sandy Spring is in the low one.
Estimated remediation costs in Sandy Spring can be compared with local home values. The $300–$800 estimated range can be set against the median property value; actual costs vary by home. Home values are 56% above the Maryland average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Sandy Spring
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water - especially if your home was built before 1986.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Historical Flood-Claim Evidence for Sandy Spring
Historical NFIP data for Sandy Spring contains 3 flood insurance claims. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 0% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
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. The $500 remediation estimate shown here excludes flood insurance and is not derived from NFIP claim count.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
What You Can Do in Sandy Spring
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages - your tap may differ. Check the certification, price and turnaround time of any water test kit or lab service.
- Install a certified water filter. Choose a pitcher or under-sink filter certified to reduce the specific contaminants of concern.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 44% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sandy Spring, MD