Is Harvey, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com Harvey, ND — Water Quality Report
Harvey's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,783 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.8 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Harvey's water
Harvey ranks #66 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Harvey 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Harvey may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Harvey, ND water safe to drink?
Harvey's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,783 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Harvey
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Harvey's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
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: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Harvey's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Harvey's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Wells County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Sheyenne River Above Harvey.
Where does Harvey's water come from?
Harvey's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,783 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sheyenne River Above Harvey (river).
What Harvey 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Harvey'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
Wells County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Harvey'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. | 6.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Harvey compares by contaminant
Explore where Harvey ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Harvey's water comes from
Harvey'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 1,783 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Harvey
Harvey is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Harvey
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARVEY CITY OF | ND5200458 | 1,783 | GW |
How Harvey compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Harvey's score of 85.7/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Harvey, ND
Wikipedia →Harvey is a city in Wells County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 1,650 at the 2020 census. Harvey was founded in 1893 as a division point by the Soo Line Railway. Harvey is believed to have been named for a director of the Soo Line Railway, Col. Scott William Harvey of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Harvey's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wells
Frequently asked questions
Is Harvey, ND tap water safe to drink?
Harvey's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #66 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Harvey's water?
Lead was measured at 6.8 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Harvey'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 Harvey?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Harvey's water come from?
Harvey's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,783 residents.
Is Harvey's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Harvey 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 2 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 Harvey's water compare to other cities?
Harvey ranks #66 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 36% of state cities) and #5166 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Harvey's small water system affect quality?
Harvey's system serves approximately 1,783 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 2 violations on record.