WaterVerge

Is Lidgerwood, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

652 residents served 1 water system PWSID: ND3900567
Overall Score
92.7 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased ground water
#16 of 103 in North Dakota Top 8% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.7/100
waterverge.com
A 92.7/100

Lidgerwood, ND — Water Quality Report

Lidgerwood's drinking water received a grade of A (92.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 652 residents using purchased ground water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Lidgerwood's water

Lidgerwood ranks #16 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Lidgerwood 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, Lidgerwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.7 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.7/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Purchased ground water.
Water Safety

Is Lidgerwood, ND water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Lidgerwood's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 652 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
1.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Lidgerwood

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lidgerwood's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.7/100).

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4553). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lidgerwood's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Lidgerwood's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Feb 2023 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2023 Chlorine Resolved
Jun 2018 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Apr 2018 Chlorine Resolved
Jan 2015 Chlorine Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Richland 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. Local water sources include Wild Rice River.

FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4717
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4553
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4444

Where does Lidgerwood's water come from?

Lidgerwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 652 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wild Rice River (river).

What Lidgerwood residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Lidgerwood'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 11% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

9
Total violations
1
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Feb 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

9 Total
1 Active
1 Health-based
8 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Revised Total Coliform Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
1
Arsenic Rule
1
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Feb 2023 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2023
Jan 2023 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2023
Jun 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jun 2018
Apr 2018 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2018
Jan 2015 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2015
Oct 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2014
Oct 2014 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Sep 1982 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 1985
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Jul 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Richland 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.

Jul 2023
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4717
Jul 2020
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4553
Jun 2019
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4444
May 2013
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4118
Apr 2013
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3364
May 2011
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1981

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.7 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.2 ppb from 1993 (3.9 ppb) to 2025 (1.7 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
652
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Lidgerwood's water comes from

Purchased Groundwater

Lidgerwood 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 Lidgerwood'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 652 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Lidgerwood

Lidgerwood is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Wild Rice River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Lidgerwood

System Name PWSID Population Source
LIDGERWOOD CITY OF ND3900567 652 GWP
Regional Comparison

How Lidgerwood compares

Full North Dakota rankings →

Lidgerwood's score of 92.7/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Lidgerwood (this city)
92.7
Fargo
91.5
Bismarck
85.7
Minot
83.2
North Dakota avg
82
City Profile

About Lidgerwood, ND

Wikipedia →

Lidgerwood is a city in Richland County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 600 at the 2020 census. Lidgerwood was founded in 1886. It is part of the Wahpeton, ND–MN Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$46,950
Median Income
$70,020
Median Home Value
$699/mo
Median Rent
2.3%
Unemployment
Community
41.1
Median Age
422
People / sq mi
12.8%
College Educated
76.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Lidgerwood, ND tap water safe to drink?

Lidgerwood's water quality earned a grade of A (92.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #16 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.

What contaminants are in Lidgerwood's water?

Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.

How is Lidgerwood'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 Lidgerwood?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Lidgerwood's water come from?

Lidgerwood's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 652 residents.

What health violations has Lidgerwood's water system had?

Lidgerwood has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Lidgerwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Lidgerwood 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 Lidgerwood's water compare to other cities?

Lidgerwood ranks #16 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 84% of state cities) and #1160 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Lidgerwood's small water system affect quality?

Lidgerwood's system serves approximately 652 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 9 violations on record.