Is Hillsboro, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.5/100
waterverge.com Hillsboro, ND — Water Quality Report
Hillsboro's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,403 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 9 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hillsboro's water
Hillsboro ranks #44 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Hillsboro 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hillsboro, ND water safe to drink?
Hillsboro's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,403 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hillsboro
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hillsboro's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4553). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hillsboro's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hillsboro's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grand Forks 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.
Where does Hillsboro's water come from?
Hillsboro's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,403 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hillsboro residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hillsboro'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.
Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hillsboro, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 12,506 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR CO HILLSBORO, ND58045 | Ammonia | 12,506 | 0.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Grand Forks 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.
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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hillsboro compares by contaminant
Explore where Hillsboro ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hillsboro's water comes from
Hillsboro'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 private ownership and serves approximately 4,403 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Hillsboro
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAST CENTRAL REGIONAL WD-TRAILL | ND4901071 | 2,800 | GW |
| HILLSBORO CITY OF | ND4900482 | 1,603 | GW |
How Hillsboro compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Hillsboro's score of 88.5/100 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 Hillsboro, ND
Wikipedia →Thompson is a city in Grand Forks County, North Dakota, United States. It is part of the Greater Grand Forks Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is located on the border of Allendale and Walle townships, with Walle on the east and Allendale on the west. The population was 1,101 at the 2020 census, and was estimated at 1,091 in 2024.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hillsboro's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Traill
Frequently asked questions
Is Hillsboro, ND tap water safe to drink?
Hillsboro's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #44 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Hillsboro's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hillsboro's water come from?
Hillsboro's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,403 residents.
What health violations has Hillsboro's water system had?
Hillsboro has 1 health-based violation 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hillsboro's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hillsboro 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 9 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 Hillsboro's water compare to other cities?
Hillsboro ranks #44 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 57% of state cities) and #3409 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.