Sparks Glencoe, MD Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-04
Safe water is the norm across most of Sparks Glencoe, MD — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How Sparks Glencoe Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Key Facts for Sparks Glencoe Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 59% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.61 — above typical levels.
Sparks Glencoe's Water Providers
One utility dominates residential water service in Sparks Glencoe, MD — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland (population ~6,402), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,600,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sparks Glencoe — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sparks Glencoe: C (55/100)
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
Sparks Glencoe water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Sparks Glencoe
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21152 | C | CITY OF BALTIMORE | 1,600,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Sparks Glencoe
- 21152 [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
Updated daily.
Sparks Glencoe 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
Sparks Glencoe Infrastructure Age
With 59% 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
Federal plumbing rules changed in two stages — lead pipes were phased out before 1970, and lead solder was banned in 1986 — but in Sparks Glencoe, where the median build year is 1985, most of the housing was already in place before those rules took effect. The materials installed under older standards remain embedded in a substantial portion of the residential inventory today.
Over half of homes in Sparks Glencoe 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 Sparks Glencoe
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Sparks Glencoe, 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 Sparks Glencoe are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 24% above the Maryland average.
Sparks Glencoe: 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.
Wherever 59% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Sparks Glencoe — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Sparks Glencoe: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Sparks Glencoe's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 30 NFIP claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Sparks Glencoe has a moderate flood history with 30 FEMA claims averaging $5,966 per payout. 100% 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>$1,600</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 Sparks Glencoe
- 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 59% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sparks Glencoe, MD