Is Killdeer, 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 Killdeer, ND — Water Quality Report
Killdeer'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 939 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Killdeer's water
Killdeer ranks #88 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, Killdeer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Killdeer, ND water safe to drink?
Killdeer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 939 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Killdeer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Killdeer's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Killdeer'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
Killdeer's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dunn County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Killdeer's water come from?
Killdeer's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 939 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 Killdeer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Killdeer'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.
Killdeer'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 Killdeer
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Killdeer, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BEAR CREEK GAS PLANT KILLDEER, ND58640 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Dunn County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Killdeer'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.06 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Killdeer compares by contaminant
Explore where Killdeer ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Killdeer's water comes from
Killdeer'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 939 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Killdeer
Killdeer 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 Killdeer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KILLDEER CITY OF | ND1300520 | 939 | SWP |
How Killdeer compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Killdeer'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 Killdeer, ND
Wikipedia →Killdeer is a city in Dunn County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 939 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Killdeer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dunn
Frequently asked questions
Is Killdeer, ND tap water safe to drink?
Killdeer'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 #88 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Killdeer's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Killdeer'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 Killdeer?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Killdeer's water come from?
Killdeer's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 939 residents.
How does Killdeer's water compare to other cities?
Killdeer ranks #88 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 15% of state cities) and #8207 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 Killdeer's small water system affect quality?
Killdeer's system serves approximately 939 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 3 violations on record.