Bismarck, ND: High Radon Risk — 55/100 (2026)
7 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Bismarck, ND: mid-range safety grade, uneven compliance across service areas.
How Bismarck Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Bismarck, ND
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Bismarck's 7 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Bismarck Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0084 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,114 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.64.
Bismarck's Water Providers
Residential water service in Bismarck, ND is divided among 3 separate utilities, drawn from 5 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 7 ZIP codes in Bismarck, North Dakota, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 95,811 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Bismarck — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bismarck: 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
Bismarck water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0084 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): 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58501 | C | City of Bismarck | 72,417 |
| 58502 | C | City of Bismarck | 72,417 |
| 58503 | D | City of Bismarck | 72,417 |
| 58504 | D | City of Bismarck | 72,417 |
| 58505 | C | City of Bismarck | 72,417 |
| 58506 | C | City of Bismarck | 72,417 |
| 58507 | C | City of Bismarck | 72,417 |
All ZIP Codes in Bismarck
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.
Bismarck 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 Bismarck
Property equity in Bismarck runs well ahead of estimated remediation costs — a cost-to-value ratio that sits in the low tier, meaning documented water and safety issues here are the kind homeowners can plan to address without treating the expense as a significant budget event relative to what their homes are worth.
Remediation costs in Bismarck are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,400–$2,857 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 62% above the North Dakota average.
Bismarck: 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 Bismarck 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.
Bismarck: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
A claim count of 688 in the NFIP database — alongside 57% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones — points to something data alone can only partly convey: a community that has repeatedly dealt with the full consequences of significant flooding. Treatment plants overwhelmed by floodwater, private wells compromised by surface infiltration, and distribution systems stressed by pressure events are all downstream effects of the flood history Bismarck's NFIP record documents.
Bismarck has a significant flood history with 688 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $16,282 per claim. With 57% 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>$2,114</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 Bismarck
- 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 Bismarck, ND