Is Fullerton, 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 ↓
81.7/100
waterverge.com Fullerton, ND — Water Quality Report
Fullerton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,469 residents using groundwater.
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 32 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fullerton's water
Fullerton ranks #80 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Fullerton 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, Fullerton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fullerton, ND water safe to drink?
Fullerton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,469 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fullerton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fullerton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fullerton'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
Fullerton's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 3 violations were 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.
Where does Fullerton's water come from?
Fullerton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,469 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fullerton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fullerton'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.
Fullerton'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 Fullerton'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. | 1.81 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fullerton compares by contaminant
Explore where Fullerton ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fullerton's water comes from
Fullerton'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 1,469 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Fullerton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTHEAST WUD (WEST) | ND1101442 | 1,275 | GW |
| MAPLE RIVER HUTTERIAN ASSOCIATION | ND1101481 | 140 | GW |
| FULLERTON CITY OF | ND1100379 | 54 | GWP |
How Fullerton compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Fullerton's score of 81.7/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Fullerton, ND
Wikipedia →Fullerton is a city in Dickey County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 62 at the 2020 census. The town is home to the Carroll House Hotel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fullerton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dickey
Frequently asked questions
Is Fullerton, ND tap water safe to drink?
Fullerton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #80 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Fullerton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Fullerton'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 Fullerton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fullerton's water come from?
Fullerton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,469 residents.
Is Fullerton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fullerton 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 32 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 Fullerton's water compare to other cities?
Fullerton ranks #80 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 22% of state cities) and #7359 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.