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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lidgerwood, ND water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Lidgerwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lidgerwood's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4553). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lidgerwood's water supply.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
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.
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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lidgerwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Lidgerwood ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lidgerwood's water comes from
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.
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.
Water systems serving Lidgerwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIDGERWOOD CITY OF | ND3900567 | 652 | GWP |
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.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lidgerwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Richland
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.