Is Kenmare, 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 ↓
81.7/100
waterverge.com Kenmare, ND — Water Quality Report
Kenmare's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,487 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.8 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 36 violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kenmare's water
Kenmare ranks #79 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Kenmare 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, Kenmare may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kenmare, ND water safe to drink?
Kenmare's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,487 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kenmare
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kenmare's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chloramine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4190). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Kenmare'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
Kenmare's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ward County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Des Lacs River.
Where does Kenmare's water come from?
Kenmare's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,487 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Des Lacs River (river).
What Kenmare residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kenmare'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.
Kenmare'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
Ward County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Kenmare'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. | 3.8 | 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. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kenmare compares by contaminant
Explore where Kenmare ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kenmare's water comes from
Kenmare 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 Kenmare'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,487 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Kenmare
Kenmare is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kenmare
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPPER SOURIS WATER DISTRICT-SYSTEM I | ND5101074 | 1,296 | GWP |
| KENMARE CITY OF | ND5100515 | 961 | GWP |
| UPPER SOURIS WATER DISTRICT-SYSTEM II | ND5101130 | 230 | GWP |
How Kenmare compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Kenmare's score of 81.7/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Kenmare, ND
Wikipedia →Kenmare is a city in Ward County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 961 at the 2020 census. Kenmare is part of the Minot Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kenmare's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ward
Frequently asked questions
Is Kenmare, ND tap water safe to drink?
Kenmare's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #79 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Kenmare's water?
Lead was measured at 3.8 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Kenmare'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 Kenmare?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kenmare's water come from?
Kenmare's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,487 residents.
What health violations has Kenmare's water system had?
Kenmare has 24 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kenmare's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kenmare 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 36 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 Kenmare's water compare to other cities?
Kenmare ranks #79 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 23% of state cities) and #7348 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.