Moorhead, MN: High Radon Risk — 62/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Moorhead, safety results are uneven — a portion carry active or recent violations, while others meet federal standards without incident, placing the city in the middle tier for MN.
How Moorhead Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Moorhead Residents
- Average lead level: 0.005 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,050 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.45.
Moorhead's Water Providers
Water supply in Moorhead, MN follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 3 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Moorhead, Minnesota, covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 46,012 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Moorhead — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Moorhead: C (62/100)
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
Moorhead water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0050 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 4 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56560 | D | Moorhead | 44,583 |
| 56561 | C | Moorhead | 44,583 |
| 56562 | C | Moorhead | 44,583 |
| 56563 | C | Moorhead | 44,583 |
All ZIP Codes in Moorhead
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.
Moorhead 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
How Remediation Costs Compare in Moorhead
In Moorhead, 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 Moorhead are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,350–$2,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 4% above the Minnesota average.
Moorhead: 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.
Lead risk in Moorhead appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Moorhead: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Moorhead's NFIP record reflects high flood exposure — 1166 claims spanning a long history of significant events, with 50% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated zones. High flood frequency increases the probability of water quality disruptions at each point in the supply chain: treatment facilities, transmission infrastructure, and private wells all face elevated stress risk when flooding is a recurring feature rather than a rare exception.
Moorhead has a significant flood history with 1,166 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $8,710 per claim. With 50% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$2,050</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 Moorhead
- 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Moorhead, MN