Fargo, ND: High Radon Risk - Home Safety 67/100
13 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated
ZipCheckup grade for Fargo: C.
A mixed picture - some signals here are worth your attention.
Fargo, ND: middle-tier water safety by the latest federal monitoring.
How Fargo Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS
Fargo Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0023 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.
- C
- C
Overview
We track home safety data for 13 ZIP codes in Fargo, North Dakota, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 131,261 people. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 4 of 13 ZIP codes.
The available EPA record reports 0 violations for 4 ZIP codes with a reported violation count.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fargo: C (67/100)
Model 4.0.0 uses four measured components across three equally weighted domains. If a required domain is unavailable, no score is published:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| PFAS MCL Screen | UCMR 5 testing against the covered federal MCLs |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
| Annual AQI | EPA AirData county-year median with at least 90 observed days |
Water Sources
Fargo water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0023 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 4 ZIP codes with known status 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 | C | City of Fargo | 120,762 |
| 58105 | C | City of Fargo | 120,762 |
All ZIP Codes in Fargo
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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
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.
Historical Flood-Claim Evidence for Fargo
Historical NFIP data for Fargo contains 2,039 flood insurance claims. Among claims with payment data, the average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum is $10,704. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 44% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
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. The <strong>$2,392</strong> remediation estimate shown here excludes flood insurance and is not derived from NFIP claim count.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
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