Wishek, ND: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Wishek shows moderate tap water quality for ND — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Wishek Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Wishek Water
- Average lead level: 0.0026 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 78% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.35 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Wishek
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Wishek, ND's residential water connections out of 2 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Wishek, North Dakota (population ~1,203), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 2,227 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Wishek — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Wishek: 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
Wishek water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0026 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58495 | C | Southeast Wud (west) | 1,275 |
All ZIP Codes in Wishek
- 58495 [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.
Health Outcomes in Wishek
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 Wishek
With 78% 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, Wishek's housing stock carries a median build year of 1966. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Wishek 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 Wishek Homeowners
Within the Wishek property market, documented remediation claims a moderate slice of typical equity — real but budgetable.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Wishek. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 40% below the North Dakota average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Wishek
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 78% of the Wishek 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.
What You Can Do in Wishek
- 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 78% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Wishek, ND