Zahl, ND: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Zahl'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 Zahl Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Zahl Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 74% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.99.
Water Systems Serving Zahl
Water delivery in Zahl, ND is handled by 2 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 2 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Zahl, North Dakota (population ~213), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,346 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Zahl — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Zahl: D (40/100)
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
Zahl water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Zahl
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58856 | D | Northwest Rural Water District | 5,102 |
All ZIP Codes in Zahl
- 58856 [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.
CDC Health Data for Zahl
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 Zahl's Housing Stock?
With 74% 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
Because the majority of Zahl's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1979 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Zahl 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.
Zahl: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, Zahl sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Zahl are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 42% above the North Dakota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Zahl
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 74% of the Zahl 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 Zahl
- 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 74% 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 Zahl, ND