Is Hatton, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Hatton, ND — Water Quality Report
Hatton's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 777 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Hatton's water
Hatton ranks #38 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Hatton purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Hatton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hatton, ND water safe to drink?
Hatton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 777 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hatton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hatton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4553). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4475). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hatton'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
Hatton's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Traill 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 Goose River.
Where does Hatton's water come from?
Hatton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 777 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Goose River (river).
What Hatton 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.
Hatton'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
Traill 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 Hatton'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. | 1.2 | 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. | 1.61 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.610 mg/L (1997)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Hatton compares by contaminant
Explore where Hatton ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hatton's water comes from
Hatton purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Hatton's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 777 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hatton
Hatton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hatton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HATTON CITY OF | ND4900465 | 777 | GWP |
How Hatton compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Hatton's score of 89.2/100 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 Hatton, ND
Wikipedia →Hatton is a city in Traill County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 712 at the 2020 census. Hatton was founded in 1882, and was named for Frank Hatton, then Assistant Postmaster General.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hatton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Traill
Frequently asked questions
Is Hatton, ND tap water safe to drink?
Hatton's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #38 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Hatton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Hatton'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 Hatton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hatton's water come from?
Hatton's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 777 residents.
Is Hatton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hatton 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 7 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 Hatton's water compare to other cities?
Hatton ranks #38 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 63% of state cities) and #2998 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hatton's small water system affect quality?
Hatton's system serves approximately 777 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 7 violations on record.