Is Center, 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 ↓
83.2/100
waterverge.com Center, ND — Water Quality Report
Center's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 588 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Center's water
Center ranks #75 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, Center may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Center, ND water safe to drink?
Center's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 588 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Center
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Center's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).
Contaminants: Chloramine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chloramine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3318). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3247). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Center'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
Center's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Oliver County has experienced 9 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 Square Butte Creek Below Center.
Where does Center's water come from?
Center's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 588 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Square Butte Creek Below Center (river).
What Center 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.
Center'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 Center
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Center, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 370 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BASIN ELECTRIC LELAND OLDS STATION STANTON, ND58571 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 365 | 8.9 mi |
MINNKOTA POWER COOPERATIVE INC. MILTON R. YOUNG STATION CENTER, ND58530 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 5 | 4.4 mi |
BNI COAL LTD CENTER, ND58530 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Oliver County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Center'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. | 4.1 | 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. | 1.49 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Center compares by contaminant
Explore where Center ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Center's water comes from
Center'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 588 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Center
Center is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Center
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CENTER CITY OF | ND3300174 | 588 | SWP |
How Center compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Center's score of 83.2/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 5 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Center, ND
Wikipedia →Center is a city in Oliver County, North Dakota, United States. It is the county seat of, and the only incorporated place in, Oliver County. The population was 588 at the 2020 census. Center along with Oliver County is included in the Bismarck metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Center's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oliver
Frequently asked questions
Is Center, ND tap water safe to drink?
Center's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #75 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Center's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Center'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 Center?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Center's water come from?
Center's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 588 residents.
How does Center's water compare to other cities?
Center ranks #75 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 27% of state cities) and #6569 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Center's small water system affect quality?
Center's system serves approximately 588 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 6 violations on record.