Grand Forks, ND: High Radon Risk — 59/100 (2026)
6 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The systems supplying Grand Forks vary in performance across ND benchmarks — most meet minimum federal standards, but documented violations in select areas are on record.
How Grand Forks Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks.
Grand Forks Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0061 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $3,433 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.08.
Water Systems Serving Grand Forks
With 3 utilities splitting service in Grand Forks, ND, water accountability is distributed across 3 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 6 ZIP codes in Grand Forks, North Dakota, covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 61,346 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Grand Forks — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Grand Forks: C (59/100)
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
Grand Forks water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0061 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): 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58201 | D | Grand Forks Regional Wtp | 57,339 |
| 58202 | C | Grand Forks Regional Wtp | 57,339 |
| 58203 | D | Grand Forks Regional Wtp | 57,339 |
| 58206 | C | Grand Forks Regional Wtp | 57,339 |
| 58207 | C | Grand Forks Regional Wtp | 57,339 |
| 58208 | C | Grand Forks Regional Wtp | 57,339 |
All ZIP Codes in Grand Forks
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 Grand Forks
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
Grand Forks: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Viewed from a financial planning lens, Grand Forks sits in the moderate remediation-share tier — the equity impact of addressing documented issues is real, and deliberate preparation separates smooth outcomes from disruptive ones for most homeowners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Grand Forks. The estimated $2,300–$4,883 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 57% above the North Dakota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Grand Forks
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 Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
Substantially more flood exposure than most communities appears in Grand Forks's NFIP record — 2868 documented claims and 83% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones. That exposure level makes the water-quality implications of flooding an active planning consideration rather than a background one.
Grand Forks has a significant flood history with 2,868 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $42,445 per claim. With 83% 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>$3,433</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 Grand Forks
- 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 Grand Forks, ND