Is Hazen, 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 ↓
79.6/100
waterverge.com Hazen, ND — Water Quality Report
Hazen's drinking water received a grade of B (79.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,411 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hazen's water
Hazen ranks #87 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Hazen may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hazen, ND water safe to drink?
Hazen's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (79.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,411 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hazen
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hazen's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1981). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hazen'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
Hazen's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Mercer County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Knife River.
Where does Hazen's water come from?
Hazen's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,411 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Knife River (river).
What Hazen 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.
Hazen'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 Hazen
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hazen, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,229 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OTTER TAIL POWER CO COYOTE STATION BEULAH, ND58523 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 786 | 8.5 mi |
BASIN ELECTRIC ANTELOPE VALLEY STATION BEULAH, ND58523 | Ammonia | 443 | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Mercer County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hazen'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. | 4.1 | 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. | 2.20 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hazen compares by contaminant
Explore where Hazen ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hazen's water comes from
Hazen'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,411 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hazen
Hazen is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Hazen
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAZEN CITY OF | ND2900470 | 2,411 | SWP |
How Hazen compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Hazen's score of 79.6/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Hazen, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hazen's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mercer
Frequently asked questions
Is Hazen, ND tap water safe to drink?
Hazen's water quality earned a grade of B (79.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #87 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Hazen's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Hazen'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 Hazen?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hazen's water come from?
Hazen's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,411 residents.
How does Hazen's water compare to other cities?
Hazen ranks #87 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 16% of state cities) and #8195 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hazen's small water system affect quality?
Hazen's system serves approximately 2,411 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.