Is Alexander, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
84.4/100
waterverge.com Alexander, ND — Water Quality Report
Alexander's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,335 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 5 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Alexander's water
Alexander ranks #71 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Alexander relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Alexander may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alexander, ND water safe to drink?
Alexander's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,335 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Alexander
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alexander's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4444). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1981). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alexander's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Alexander's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McKenzie County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Alexander's water come from?
Alexander's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,335 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Alexander residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Alexander's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Alexander's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Alexander
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Alexander, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LONESOME CREEK GAS PLANT ALEXANDER, ND58831 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
ONEOK ROCKIES MIDSTREAM LLC - GRASSLANDS GAS PLANT ALEXANDER, ND58831 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
WATFORD CITY PLANT ALEXANDER, ND58831 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMcKenzie County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
McKenzie County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Alexander's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.42 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alexander compares by contaminant
Explore where Alexander ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alexander's water comes from
Alexander's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,335 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Alexander
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALEXANDER CITY OF | ND2700006 | 1,335 | GW |
How Alexander compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Alexander's score of 84.4/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Alexander, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alexander's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mckenzie
Frequently asked questions
Is Alexander, ND tap water safe to drink?
Alexander's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #71 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Alexander's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Alexander's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Alexander?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alexander's water come from?
Alexander's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,335 residents.
What health violations has Alexander's water system had?
Alexander has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Alexander's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alexander uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 5 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Alexander's water compare to other cities?
Alexander ranks #71 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 31% of state cities) and #5928 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Alexander's small water system affect quality?
Alexander's system serves approximately 1,335 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 5 violations on record.