Is Cando, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
76.9/100
waterverge.com Cando, ND — Water Quality Report
Cando's drinking water received a grade of B (76.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,115 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 15.2 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cando's water
Cando ranks #93 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Cando purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Cando may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cando, ND water safe to drink?
Cando's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,115 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cando
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cando's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4323). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cando's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Cando's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Towner County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Mauvais Coulee Trib No. 3, Mauvais Coulee.
Where does Cando's water come from?
Cando's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,115 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mauvais Coulee Trib No. 3 (river), Mauvais Coulee (river).
What Cando residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cando'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Cando'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
Flood & disaster history
Towner County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cando'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. | 15.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cando compares by contaminant
Explore where Cando ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cando's water comes from
Cando purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Cando's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,115 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cando
Cando is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cando
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANDO CITY OF | ND4800152 | 1,115 | GWP |
How Cando compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Cando's score of 76.9/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Cando, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cando's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Towner
Frequently asked questions
Is Cando, ND tap water safe to drink?
Cando's water quality earned a grade of B (76.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #93 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Cando's water?
Lead was measured at 15.2 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Cando'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 Cando?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cando's water come from?
Cando's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,115 residents.
Is Cando's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cando 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 8 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 Cando's water compare to other cities?
Cando ranks #93 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 10% of state cities) and #9160 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cando's small water system affect quality?
Cando's system serves approximately 1,115 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 8 violations on record.