C56/100
Grand Forks Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 57,339 residents · North Dakota
What's In Grand Forks's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.009 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2003.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
GRAND FORKS REGIONAL WTP
Population Served
57,339
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
ND1800410
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Forks Water
Is Grand Forks tap water safe to drink?
Grand Forks, North Dakota tap water receives a grade of C (56/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 9 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Grand Forks's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Grand Forks's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Grand Forks have any water quality violations?
Yes, Grand Forks has 9 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2003. Violation types include TT, MR, MCL. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Grand Forks?
Grand Forks water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Grand Forks's tap water come from?
Grand Forks's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by GRAND FORKS REGIONAL WTP. The system serves approximately 57,339 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Grand Forks's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Grand Forks's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Grand Forks's water compare to other cities in North Dakota?
Grand Forks's water quality score of 56/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our North Dakota state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Grand Forks's water quality?
If you have concerns about Grand Forks's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (GRAND FORKS REGIONAL WTP) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.