Is Garrison, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.6/100
waterverge.com Garrison, ND — Water Quality Report
Garrison's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,258 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 14 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Garrison's water
Garrison ranks #42 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Garrison may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Garrison, ND water safe to drink?
Garrison's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,258 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Garrison
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Garrison's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chloramine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1981). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3318). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Garrison's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Garrison's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McLean County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Garrison's water come from?
Garrison's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,258 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Garrison residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Garrison'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.
Garrison'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
McLean County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Garrison compares by contaminant
Explore where Garrison ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Garrison's water comes from
Garrison'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,258 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Garrison
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GARRISON RURAL WATER DISTRICT | ND2801430 | 1,805 | SWP |
| GARRISON CITY OF | ND2800389 | 1,453 | SW |
How Garrison compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Garrison's score of 88.6/100 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 Garrison, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Garrison's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mclean
Frequently asked questions
Is Garrison, ND tap water safe to drink?
Garrison's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #42 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Garrison's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Garrison'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 Garrison?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Garrison's water come from?
Garrison's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,258 residents.
What health violations has Garrison's water system had?
Garrison has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Garrison's water compare to other cities?
Garrison ranks #42 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 59% of state cities) and #3348 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.