West Friendship, MD: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from West Friendship, MD tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How West Friendship Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for West Friendship Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 29% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.56.
West Friendship's Water Providers
2 water systems are tracked federally in West Friendship, MD. The top 2 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in West Friendship, Maryland (population ~2,326), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 286,473 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in West Friendship — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for West Friendship: 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
West Friendship water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for West Friendship
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21794 | D | Howard County D.p.w. Distribution | 286,158 |
All ZIP Codes in West Friendship
- 21794 [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.
West Friendship 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
West Friendship Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
A median build year of 1995 in West Friendship points to a housing stock where post-1986 construction is the norm. That matters because lead solder in plumbing — banned federally in 1986 — is a primary pathway by which older homes can elevate tap water lead above what enters the distribution system.
Most homes in West Friendship were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in West Friendship
How much of a West Friendship 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 West Friendship are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 129% above the Maryland average.
West Friendship: 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.
Where pre-rule stock represents a smaller fraction of the inventory — 29% across West Friendship — the structural drivers of household exposure run thinner. Aggregate readings under the federal benchmark reinforce that picture, with one-home draws remaining the only direct measurement for a specific address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in West Friendship
- 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 West Friendship, MD