Is Hettinger, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com Hettinger, ND — Water Quality Report
Hettinger's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,226 residents using purchased surface water.
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 5 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hettinger's water
Hettinger ranks #33 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, Hettinger may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hettinger, ND water safe to drink?
Hettinger's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,226 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hettinger
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hettinger's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4444). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3247). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Fluoride.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hettinger's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hettinger's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Adams County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1978. 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 Hettinger's water come from?
Hettinger's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,226 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Hettinger 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.
Hettinger'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
Adams County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1978. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hettinger compares by contaminant
Explore where Hettinger ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hettinger's water comes from
Hettinger'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 1,226 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hettinger
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HETTINGER CITY OF | ND0100476 | 1,226 | SWP |
How Hettinger compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Hettinger's score of 90.3/100 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 Hettinger, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hettinger's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adams
Frequently asked questions
Is Hettinger, ND tap water safe to drink?
Hettinger's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #33 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Hettinger's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Hettinger'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 Hettinger?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hettinger's water come from?
Hettinger's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,226 residents.
What health violations has Hettinger's water system had?
Hettinger has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hettinger's water compare to other cities?
Hettinger ranks #33 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 68% of state cities) and #2309 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hettinger's small water system affect quality?
Hettinger's system serves approximately 1,226 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 5 violations on record.