Fargo, ND: High Radon Risk — 65/100 (2026)
13 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Fargo, ND: middle-tier water safety by the latest federal monitoring.
How Fargo Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Fargo, ND
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Fargo.
Fargo Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,392 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.43.
Water Systems Serving Fargo
Structurally, Fargo, 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 13 ZIP codes in Fargo, North Dakota, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 131,261 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Fargo — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fargo: C (65/100)
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
Fargo water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 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): 13 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58102 | C | City of Fargo | 120,762 |
| 58103 | C | City of Fargo | 120,762 |
| 58104 | D | City of Fargo | 120,762 |
| 58105 | B | City of Fargo | 120,762 |
| 58106 | C | City of Fargo | 120,762 |
| 58107 | C | City of Fargo | 120,762 |
| 58108 | B | City of Fargo | 120,762 |
| 58109 | B | City of Fargo | 120,762 |
| 58121 | B | City of Fargo | 120,762 |
| 58122 | C | City of Fargo | 120,762 |
All ZIP Codes in Fargo
- 58102 [C]
- 58103 [C]
- 58104 [D]
- 58105 [B]
- 58106 [C]
- 58107 [C]
- 58108 [B]
- 58109 [B]
- 58121 [B]
- 58122 [C]
- 58124 [B]
- 58125 [C]
- 58126 [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.
CDC Health Data for Fargo
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
Fargo: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Fargo, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Fargo are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,608–$3,323 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 37% above the North Dakota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Fargo
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 Fargo 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 Fargo
Flood exposure in Fargo is substantial — 2039 NFIP claims on record and 69% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated zones. That volume of documented flood activity places water-quality implications of flooding firmly in the active-risk category rather than the hypothetical.
Fargo has a significant flood history with 2,039 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $125,196 per claim. With 69% 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>$2,392</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 Fargo
- 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 Fargo, ND