Is Ellendale, 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 ↓
90.6/100
waterverge.com Ellendale, ND — Water Quality Report
Ellendale's drinking water received a grade of A (90.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,394 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 5 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Ellendale's water
Ellendale ranks #31 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Ellendale 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, Ellendale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ellendale, ND water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Ellendale's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (90.6/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,394 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ellendale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ellendale's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4553). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ellendale'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
Ellendale's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dickey County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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.
Where does Ellendale's water come from?
Ellendale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,394 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 (river).
What Ellendale 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.
Ellendale'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
Dickey County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Ellendale'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. | 1.9 | 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. | 1.89 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ellendale compares by contaminant
Explore where Ellendale ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ellendale's water comes from
Ellendale 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 Ellendale'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 1,394 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ellendale
Ellendale is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ellendale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELLENDALE CITY OF | ND1100306 | 1,394 | GWP |
How Ellendale compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Ellendale's score of 90.6/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Ellendale, ND
Wikipedia →Ellendale is a city in Dickey County, North Dakota, United States. It is the county seat of Dickey County. The population was 1,125 at the 2020 census. Ellendale was founded in 1882. Ellendale is the home of Trinity Bible College, located on the former campus of the North Dakota State Normal and Industrial School and the Ellendale Opera House currently under renovation.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ellendale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dickey
Frequently asked questions
Is Ellendale, ND tap water safe to drink?
Ellendale's water quality earned a grade of A (90.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #31 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Ellendale's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Ellendale'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 Ellendale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ellendale's water come from?
Ellendale's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,394 residents.
What health violations has Ellendale's water system had?
Ellendale has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Ellendale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ellendale 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 5 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 Ellendale's water compare to other cities?
Ellendale ranks #31 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 70% of state cities) and #2131 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ellendale's small water system affect quality?
Ellendale's system serves approximately 1,394 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 5 violations on record.