Ronkonkoma, NY Water Safety: 60/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to top-scoring cities in NY, Ronkonkoma lands in the middle tier — some water systems meet standards cleanly, others carry documented violations, and performance can vary significantly across service areas.
How Ronkonkoma Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Ronkonkoma Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 84% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.13.
Ronkonkoma's Water Providers
Consolidated water delivery characterizes Ronkonkoma, NY: 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 1 ZIP code in Ronkonkoma, New York (population ~38,273), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,100,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ronkonkoma — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ronkonkoma: C (60/100)
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
Ronkonkoma water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Ronkonkoma
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11779 | C | SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,100,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Ronkonkoma
- 11779 [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.
Ronkonkoma 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
Ronkonkoma Infrastructure Age
With 84% 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 Ronkonkoma, where the median build year is 1979, 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 Ronkonkoma 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 Ronkonkoma
In Ronkonkoma, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in Ronkonkoma are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 28% above the New York average.
Ronkonkoma: 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.
Reading the local data together points toward a structural gap that matters more here than in low-exposure communities. 84% of Ronkonkoma stock comes from the pre-rule era, and citywide monitoring either approaches or sits beyond the federal benchmark under Lead and Copper Rule sampling. A baseline kit fits the routine-diligence category, with certified filtration available via retailer networks where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Ronkonkoma: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Although Ronkonkoma's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 100 claims and FEMA maps place 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Ronkonkoma has a moderate flood history with 100 FEMA claims averaging $3,726 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>$1,800</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 Ronkonkoma
- 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 84% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ronkonkoma, NY