Is Casselton, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-. Lead was detected — within EPA limits, but worth understanding. Here's the full picture. What to do next ↓
86.9/100
waterverge.com Casselton, ND — Water Quality Report
Casselton's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,513 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 12.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Casselton's water
Casselton ranks #55 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Casselton purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Casselton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Casselton, ND water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Casselton's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A- (86.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,513 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Casselton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Casselton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4553). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4444). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Chlorine.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Casselton's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Casselton's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Cass County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2001. 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 Maple River Nr Mapleton, Rush River.
Where does Casselton's water come from?
Casselton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,513 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Maple River Nr Mapleton (river), Rush River (river).
What Casselton residents can do
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.
Casselton'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 Casselton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Casselton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
THARALDSON ETHANOL PLANT I LLC CASSELTON, ND58012 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Cass County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2001. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Casselton'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. | 12.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Casselton compares by contaminant
Explore where Casselton ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Casselton's water comes from
Casselton 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 Casselton'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 2,513 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Casselton
Casselton is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Casselton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASSELTON CITY OF | ND0900166 | 2,513 | GWP |
How Casselton compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Casselton's score of 86.9/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Casselton, ND
Wikipedia →Casselton is a city in Cass County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 2,486 at the 2020 census. making it the 19th largest city in North Dakota. Casselton was founded in 1876. The city is named in honor of George Washington Cass, a president of the Northern Pacific Railway, which established a station there in 1876 to develop a town for homesteaders. Casselton is the hometown of five North Dakota governors.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Casselton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cass
Frequently asked questions
Is Casselton, ND tap water safe to drink?
Casselton's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #55 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Casselton's water?
Lead was measured at 12.1 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Casselton'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 Casselton?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Casselton's water come from?
Casselton's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,513 residents.
Is Casselton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Casselton 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 3 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 Casselton's water compare to other cities?
Casselton ranks #55 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 47% of state cities) and #4383 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Casselton's small water system affect quality?
Casselton's system serves approximately 2,513 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.