Hensel, ND: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Systems across Hensel show elevated violation counts against ND benchmarks — the low safety grade reflects that ongoing compliance pattern.
How Hensel Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Hensel Water
- Homes built before 1986: 95% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.47 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Hensel
The structure of water supply in Hensel, ND is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Hensel, North Dakota (population ~196), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,422 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Hensel — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hensel: D (53/100)
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
Hensel water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Hensel
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58241 | D | NORTHEAST RWD- NORTH VALLEY BRANCH | 3,422 |
All ZIP Codes in Hensel
- 58241 [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.
Health Outcomes in Hensel
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Hensel
With 95% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Hensel's housing stock carries a median build year of 1953. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Hensel 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Hensel Homeowners
At current Hensel valuations, the remediation share sits in the elevated tier — a level where deliberate financial planning becomes a practical prerequisite rather than a convenience for most homeowners.
At 2.5% of home value, remediation costs in Hensel represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,600–$3,300. Home values here are 44% below the North Dakota average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Hensel
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 95% of the Hensel inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Hensel
Flood risk in Hensel occupies the middle ground: 2 NFIP claims and 100% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Hensel has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $4,182 per payout. 100% 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>$2,400</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 Hensel
- 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 95% 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 Hensel, ND