Is Lakota, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
73.9/100
waterverge.com Lakota, ND — Water Quality Report
Lakota's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,173 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 66.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 11 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lakota's water
Lakota ranks #97 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lakota 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Lakota may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lakota, ND water safe to drink?
Lakota's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (73.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,173 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lakota
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lakota's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.9/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4553). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lakota's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Lakota's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Nelson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Lakota's water come from?
Lakota's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,173 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lakota residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lakota'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.
Lakota'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
Nelson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lakota'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. | 66.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lakota compares by contaminant
Explore where Lakota ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lakota's water comes from
Lakota'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 3,173 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Lakota
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRI-COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | ND3201072 | 2,501 | GW |
| LAKOTA CITY OF | ND3200536 | 672 | GW |
How Lakota compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Lakota's score of 73.9/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Lakota, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lakota's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nelson
Frequently asked questions
Is Lakota, ND tap water safe to drink?
Lakota's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #97 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Lakota's water?
Lead was measured at 66.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Lakota'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 Lakota?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lakota's water come from?
Lakota's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,173 residents.
What health violations has Lakota's water system had?
Lakota has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lakota's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lakota 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 11 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 Lakota's water compare to other cities?
Lakota ranks #97 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 6% of state cities) and #9981 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.