Is Drayton, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com Drayton, ND — Water Quality Report
Drayton's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 824 residents using purchased ground 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 14 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Drayton's water
Drayton ranks #68 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Drayton purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Drayton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Drayton, ND water safe to drink?
Drayton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 824 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Drayton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Drayton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Cryptosporidium.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4553). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Drayton'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
Drayton's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pembina County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2010. 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 Red River Of The North.
Where does Drayton's water come from?
Drayton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 824 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Red River Of The North (river).
What Drayton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Drayton'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.
Drayton'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 Drayton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Drayton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8,987 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR CO DRAYTON, ND58225 | Ammonia | 8,987 | 2.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Pembina County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2010. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Drayton'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. | 3.32 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.320 mg/L (2018)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Drayton compares by contaminant
Explore where Drayton ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Drayton's water comes from
Drayton 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 Drayton'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 824 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Drayton
Drayton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Drayton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRAYTON CITY OF | ND3400269 | 824 | GWP |
How Drayton compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Drayton's score of 85.7/100 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 Drayton, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Drayton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pembina
Frequently asked questions
Is Drayton, ND tap water safe to drink?
Drayton's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #68 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Drayton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Drayton'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 Drayton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Drayton's water come from?
Drayton's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 824 residents.
What health violations has Drayton's water system had?
Drayton has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Drayton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Drayton 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 14 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 Drayton's water compare to other cities?
Drayton ranks #68 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 34% of state cities) and #5190 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Drayton's small water system affect quality?
Drayton's system serves approximately 824 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 14 violations on record.