Dickinson, ND: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Dickinson's water quality grade in ND reflects a middle-ground assessment — service areas range from fully compliant to violation-flagged in current EPA records.
How Dickinson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Dickinson Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0042 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.11 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Dickinson
Federal drinking water records identify 5 systems in Dickinson, ND. The leading 3 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Dickinson, North Dakota, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 29,680 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Dickinson — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Dickinson: C (66/100)
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
Dickinson water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0042 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): 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58601 | C | City of Dickinson | 25,679 |
| 58602 | C | City of Dickinson | 25,679 |
All ZIP Codes in Dickinson
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.
CDC Health Data for Dickinson
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
Dickinson: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Dickinson, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Dickinson are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 54% above the North Dakota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Dickinson
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 Dickinson 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Dickinson
NFIP records stretching across multiple decades show Dickinson accumulating 21 claims and carrying 50% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA flood zones — evidence of meaningful exposure that extends beyond isolated incidents. The mechanisms linking flooding to water quality haven't changed: treatment facilities can be overwhelmed, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution systems can experience backflow. For a community at this exposure level, those mechanisms shift from hypothetical to periodically relevant.
Dickinson has a moderate flood history with 21 FEMA claims averaging $4,054 per payout. 50% 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 Dickinson
- 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 Dickinson, ND