WaterVerge

Is Enderlin, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Enderlin ranks. What to do next ↓

911 residents served 2 water systems PWSID: ND3700314
Overall Score
96.4 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#2 of 103 in North Dakota Top 1% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
96.4/100
waterverge.com
A+ 96.4/100

Enderlin, ND — Water Quality Report

Enderlin's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 911 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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. All violations have been resolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Enderlin's water

Enderlin ranks #2 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Enderlin relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Enderlin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
96.4 out of 100 Grade A+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.4/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Enderlin, ND water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Enderlin's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.4/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 911 residents using groundwater (wells).

None
Violations
2.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Enderlin

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Enderlin's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.4/100).

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4553). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Combined Uranium.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Chlorine.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Enderlin's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Enderlin's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2020 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U Resolved
Jul 2020 Combined Radium (-226 and -228) Resolved
Jul 2020 Combined Uranium Resolved
Jul 2010 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2010 Chlorine Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Ransom 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 Nr Enderlin, Maple River Above Maple River Dam Nr Sheldon.

FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4717
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4553
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4444

Where does Enderlin's water come from?

Enderlin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 911 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 Enderlin (river), Maple River Above Maple River Dam Nr Sheldon (river).

What Enderlin residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Enderlin'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 15% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

6
Total violations
0
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Jul 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

6 Total
0 Active
0 Health-based
6 Resolved
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
3
Total Coliform Rule
2
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Jul 2020 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2020
Jul 2020 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2020
Jul 2020 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2020
Jul 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2010
Jul 2010 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2010
Apr 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2006
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Enderlin

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Enderlin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
NORTHERN SUN-DIV OF ADM
Food · ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND CO
ENDERLIN, ND58027
1.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Jul 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Ransom 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.

Jul 2023
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4717
Jul 2020
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4553
Jun 2019
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4444
May 2011
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1981
Apr 2011
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3318
Apr 2010
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1907

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 5.7 ppb from 1993 (8.0 ppb) to 2024 (2.3 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
911
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Enderlin's water comes from

Groundwater

Enderlin's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 911 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Enderlin

Enderlin is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Maple River Nr Enderlin
river
Maple River Above Maple River Dam Nr Sheldon
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Enderlin

System Name PWSID Population Source
ENDERLIN CITY OF ND3700314 886 GW
GRANT COLONY ND3701801 25 GW
Regional Comparison

How Enderlin compares

Full North Dakota rankings →

Enderlin's score of 96.4/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Enderlin (this city)
96.4
Fargo
91.5
Bismarck
85.7
Minot
83.2
North Dakota avg
82
City Profile

About Enderlin, ND

Economic Profile
$58,403
Median Income
$109,155
Median Home Value
$835/mo
Median Rent
4.4%
Unemployment
Community
43.4
Median Age
244
People / sq mi
13.2%
College Educated
72.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Enderlin, ND tap water safe to drink?

Enderlin's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #2 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.

What contaminants are in Enderlin's water?

Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.

How is Enderlin'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 Enderlin?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Enderlin's water come from?

Enderlin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 911 residents.

Is Enderlin's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Enderlin 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 6 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 Enderlin's water compare to other cities?

Enderlin ranks #2 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 98% of state cities) and #190 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.