Kulm, ND: High Radon Risk — 88/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Kulm tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for ND — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Kulm Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Kulm Water
- Average lead level: 0.0005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 87% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 13.92 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Kulm
Across Kulm, ND, residential water comes from 3 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 4 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kulm, North Dakota (population ~622), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 12,117 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kulm — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kulm: A (88/100)
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
Kulm water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0005 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58456 | A | Stutsman Rural Water District | 5,550 |
All ZIP Codes in Kulm
- 58456 [A]
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 Kulm
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 Kulm
With 87% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Kulm — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1954 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Kulm 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.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Kulm
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.
87% — that captures the slice of Kulm housing dating from before the federal ban on solder containing lead. It pairs with aggregate utility readings that either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L, the benchmark set under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule. Together, the two figures shift one-home reads into a standard household-level confirmation, particularly for families with kids. A certified lead-removal filter is available through retailer-verified channels if a kit returns results that warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Kulm, ND