Is Hankinson, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
48/100
waterverge.com Hankinson, ND — Water Quality Report
Hankinson's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,279 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 312 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hankinson's water
Hankinson ranks #102 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Hankinson 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, Hankinson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 226 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hankinson, ND water safe to drink?
Hankinson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,279 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hankinson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hankinson's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).
Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Uranium, Radium-228.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Uranium, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
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 Hankinson'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
Hankinson's water system has 312 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 226 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Richland County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Wild Rice River.
Where does Hankinson's water come from?
Hankinson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,279 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wild Rice River (river).
What Hankinson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hankinson'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.
Hankinson'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 Hankinson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hankinson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GUARDIAN ENERGY HANKINSON HANKINSON, ND58041 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Richland County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hankinson'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. | 1.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hankinson compares by contaminant
Explore where Hankinson ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hankinson's water comes from
Hankinson'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 3,279 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hankinson
Hankinson is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hankinson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAKOTA MAGIC CASINO | 083890026 | 2,360 | GW |
| HANKINSON CITY OF | ND3900443 | 919 | GWP |
How Hankinson compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Hankinson's score of 48/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →ZIP codes served by Hankinson
The water systems serving Hankinson cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Hankinson, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hankinson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Richland
Frequently asked questions
Is Hankinson, ND tap water safe to drink?
Hankinson's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #102 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Hankinson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 312 violations are on record.
How is Hankinson'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 Hankinson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hankinson's water come from?
Hankinson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,279 residents.
What health violations has Hankinson's water system had?
Hankinson has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hankinson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hankinson 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 312 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 Hankinson's water compare to other cities?
Hankinson ranks #102 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 1% of state cities) and #13522 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.