Is Mott, 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 ↓
93.3/100
waterverge.com Mott, ND — Water Quality Report
Mott's drinking water received a grade of A (93.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 721 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 6 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Mott's water
Mott ranks #11 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Mott may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mott, ND water safe to drink?
Mott's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 721 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mott
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mott's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4444). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Fluoride.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mott's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mott's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hettinger County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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 Mott's water come from?
Mott's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 721 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Mott 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.
Mott'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
Hettinger County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mott compares by contaminant
Explore where Mott ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mott's water comes from
Mott'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 721 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Mott
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOTT CITY OF | ND2100704 | 721 | SWP |
How Mott compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Mott's score of 93.3/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Mott, ND
Wikipedia →Mott is a city in and the county seat of Hettinger County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 653 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mott's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hettinger
Frequently asked questions
Is Mott, ND tap water safe to drink?
Mott's water quality earned a grade of A (93.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #11 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Mott's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Mott'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 Mott?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mott's water come from?
Mott's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 721 residents.
What health violations has Mott's water system had?
Mott has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Mott's water compare to other cities?
Mott ranks #11 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 89% of state cities) and #902 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mott's small water system affect quality?
Mott's system serves approximately 721 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 6 violations on record.