West Fargo, ND: High Radon Risk — 47/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, West Fargo's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within ND — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How West Fargo Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About West Fargo Water
- Homes built before 1986: 25% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.43.
Who Supplies Your Water in West Fargo
West Fargo, ND draws its residential water from 2 separate providers among the 2 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in West Fargo, North Dakota (population ~39,946), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 155,620 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in West Fargo — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for West Fargo: D (47/100)
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
West Fargo water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for West Fargo
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58078 | D | City of West Fargo | 34,858 |
All ZIP Codes in West Fargo
- 58078 [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 West 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
Housing & Infrastructure in West Fargo
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Why does housing age matter for water safety? Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered copper plumbing joints — a practice banned that year. West Fargo's median build year of 2006 places much of the city's housing in the post-ban era, reducing that specific risk pathway for most residents.
Most homes in West Fargo were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for West Fargo Homeowners
Property equity in West Fargo runs well ahead of estimated remediation costs — a cost-to-value ratio that sits in the low tier, meaning documented water and safety issues here are the kind homeowners can plan to address without treating the expense as a significant budget event relative to what their homes are worth.
Remediation costs in West Fargo are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,900–$4,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 74% above the North Dakota average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in West 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.
Where pre-rule stock represents a smaller fraction of the inventory — 25% across West Fargo — the structural drivers of household exposure run thinner. Aggregate readings under the federal benchmark reinforce that picture, with one-home draws remaining the only direct measurement for a specific address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in West Fargo
NFIP records stretching across multiple decades show West Fargo accumulating 440 claims and carrying 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA flood zones — evidence of meaningful exposure that extends beyond isolated incidents. The mechanisms linking flooding to water quality haven't changed: treatment facilities can be overwhelmed, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution systems can experience backflow. For a community at this exposure level, those mechanisms shift from hypothetical to periodically relevant.
West Fargo has a moderate flood history with 440 FEMA claims averaging $1,997 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>$2,900</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 West 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.
- 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 West Fargo, ND