Nome, ND: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems across Nome produce average compliance results for ND overall — pockets with documented violations exist, and the variation between areas makes checking the specific system serving a given address the most useful step for residents here.
How Nome Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Nome Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0012 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 99% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.28 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Nome
2 independent water providers serve Nome, ND — 2 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Nome, North Dakota (population ~104), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Nome — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Nome: C (66/100)
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
Nome water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0012 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58062 | C | Barnes Rural Water District | 4,938 |
All ZIP Codes in Nome
- 58062 [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 Nome
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
How Old Is Nome's Housing Stock?
With 99% 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
Lead solder was standard in copper plumbing until federally banned in 1986; lead pipes were common in service lines pre-1970. Nome's median build year of 1904 reflects a housing stock where these older materials are a pervasive feature — not a rare legacy — of the residential plumbing landscape.
Over half of homes in Nome 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.
Nome: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Because property values in Nome comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Nome are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 25% below the North Dakota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Nome
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.
Routinely in Nome, where 99% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Nome
- 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 99% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Nome, ND