Is Horace, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
54.5/100
waterverge.com Horace, ND — Water Quality Report
Horace's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,945 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 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 126 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved.
What to know about Horace's water
Horace ranks #101 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.
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, Horace may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Horace, ND water safe to drink?
Horace's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,945 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Horace
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Horace's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4553). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4444). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Horace'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Horace's water system has 126 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cass County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2001. 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 Red River Of The North, Wild Rice River, Sheyenne River, Sheyenne R Ab Sheyenne R Diversion Nr Horace, Sheyenne River Diversion Nr Horace.
Where does Horace's water come from?
Horace's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 1,945 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Red River Of The North (river), Wild Rice River (river), Sheyenne River (river), Sheyenne R Ab Sheyenne R Diversion Nr Horace (river), Sheyenne River Diversion Nr Horace (river).
What Horace residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Horace'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Horace'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 Horace
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Horace, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 13 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC FARGO, ND58102 | Copper | 13 | 9.1 mi |
CARGILL INC WEST FARGO, ND58078 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
TRUENORTH STEEL WEST FARGO, ND58078 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
FLINT HILLS RESOURCES PINE BEND LLC WEST FARGO WEST FARGO, ND58078 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
CATERPILLAR REMANUFACTURING DRIVETRAIN LLC WEST FARGO, ND58078 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Cass County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2001. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Horace'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. | 7.0 | 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. | 2.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Horace compares by contaminant
Explore where Horace ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Horace's water comes from
Horace'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 1,945 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Horace
Horace is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Horace
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HORACE CITY OF | ND0900488 | 1,641 | SWP |
| HORSESHOE BEND | ND0900489 | 110 | GWP |
| RIVERDALE SUBDIVISION | ND0901365 | 88 | GW |
| FRADETS ORCHARD WATER SYSTEM | ND0901410 | 56 | GW |
| COUNTRY ACRES WATER CO | ND0901449 | 50 | GW |
How Horace compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Horace's score of 54.5/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Horace, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Horace's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cass
Frequently asked questions
Is Horace, ND tap water safe to drink?
Horace's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #101 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Horace's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 126 violations are on record.
How is Horace'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 Horace?
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 Horace's water come from?
Horace's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 1,945 residents.
What health violations has Horace's water system had?
Horace has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 45 violations remain unresolved.
How does Horace's water compare to other cities?
Horace ranks #101 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 2% of state cities) and #12598 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.