Cartwright, ND: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Cartwright reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in ND — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Cartwright Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Cartwright Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 69% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.16 — above typical levels.
Cartwright's Water Providers
Structurally, Cartwright, ND's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 2 water systems in the area, with 2 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Cartwright, North Dakota (population ~306), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,230 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Cartwright — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cartwright: 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
Cartwright water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Cartwright
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58838 | D | Mckenzie County Wrd | 3,895 |
All ZIP Codes in Cartwright
- 58838 [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.
Cartwright 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
Cartwright Infrastructure Age
With 69% 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
Because the majority of Cartwright's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1967 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Cartwright 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 Cartwright
Equity impact data for Cartwright lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Cartwright are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 43% above the North Dakota average.
Cartwright: 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.
Routinely in Cartwright, where 69% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Cartwright
- 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 69% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- 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 Cartwright, ND