WaterVerge

Is Belfield, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: ND4500065
Overall Score
83.6 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#72 of 103 in North Dakota Top 40% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
83.6/100
waterverge.com
B+ 83.6/100

Belfield, ND — Water Quality Report

Belfield's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,013 residents using purchased surface water.

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 3 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Belfield's water

Belfield ranks #72 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

As a small community water system, Belfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
83.6 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Belfield, ND water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Belfield's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,013 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

2
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Belfield

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Belfield's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3247). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE FLOODING,SEVERE WINTER STORMS, SNOWMELT, SPRING RAINS

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1174). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Fluoride.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Belfield's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Belfield's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Nov 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Sep 1981 Fluoride Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Stark County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Green River.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3247
SEVERE FLOODING,SEVERE WINTER STORMS, SNOWMELT, SPRING RAINS
Flood FEMA DR-1174
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1001

Where does Belfield's water come from?

Belfield's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,013 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Green River (river).

What Belfield residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Belfield'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

3
Total violations
1
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Nov 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

3 Total
2 Active
1 Health-based
1 Resolved
Violations by category
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Inorganic Chemicals
1
Nov 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 1981 Resolved
Fluoride
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1984
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Belfield

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Belfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
FRYBURG RAIL TERMINAL
Petroleum Bulk Terminals · MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP
BELFIELD, ND58622
4.7 mi
ANDEAVOR FIELD SERVICES LLC-BELFIELD GAS PLANT
Natural Gas Processing · MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP
BELFIELD, ND58622
1.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Stark County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3247
Apr 1997
SEVERE FLOODING,SEVERE WINTER STORMS, SNOWMELT, SPRING RAINS
Flood FEMA #1174
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1001
Apr 1978
STORMS, ICE JAMS, SNOWMELT & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #554
Jun 1972
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #335
Jun 1970
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #287

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.9 ppb from 1993 (3.9 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,013
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Belfield's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Belfield's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,013 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Belfield

Belfield is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Green River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Belfield

System Name PWSID Population Source
BELFIELD CITY OF ND4500065 1,013 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Belfield compares

Full North Dakota rankings →

Belfield's score of 83.6/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Belfield (this city)
83.6
Fargo
91.5
Bismarck
85.7
Minot
83.2
North Dakota avg
82
City Profile

About Belfield, ND

Wikipedia →

Belfield is a city in Stark County, North Dakota, United States and only 15 minutes from Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The population was 996 at the 2020 census. Belfield was founded in 1883, and has seen many boom and busts in this oil-rich part of North Dakota. It is part of the Dickinson Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$77,850
Median Income
$1,115/mo
Median Rent
5.3%
Unemployment
Community
36.9
Median Age
161
People / sq mi
9.5%
College Educated
74.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Belfield, ND tap water safe to drink?

Belfield's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #72 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.

What contaminants are in Belfield's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.

How is Belfield'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 Belfield?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Belfield's water come from?

Belfield's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,013 residents.

What health violations has Belfield's water system had?

Belfield has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

How does Belfield's water compare to other cities?

Belfield ranks #72 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 30% of state cities) and #6344 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Belfield's small water system affect quality?

Belfield's system serves approximately 1,013 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 3 violations on record.