Is New Rockford, 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 ↓
92.8/100
waterverge.com New Rockford, ND — Water Quality Report
New Rockford's drinking water received a grade of A (92.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,391 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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 7 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about New Rockford's water
New Rockford ranks #15 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
New Rockford 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.
As a small community water system, New Rockford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Rockford, ND water safe to drink?
New Rockford's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,391 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Rockford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Rockford's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.8/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4475). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4190). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Rockford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Rockford's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Eddy County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Sheyenne R Bl Devils Lk State Outlet Nr Bremen.
Where does New Rockford's water come from?
New Rockford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,391 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sheyenne R Bl Devils Lk State Outlet Nr Bremen (river).
What New Rockford 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.
New Rockford'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
Eddy County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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. | 2.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Rockford compares by contaminant
Explore where New Rockford ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Rockford's water comes from
New Rockford'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,391 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Rockford
New Rockford is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Rockford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW ROCKFORD CITY OF | ND1400732 | 1,391 | GW |
How New Rockford compares
Full North Dakota rankings →New Rockford's score of 92.8/100 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 New Rockford, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Rockford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Eddy
Frequently asked questions
Is New Rockford, ND tap water safe to drink?
New Rockford's water quality earned a grade of A (92.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #15 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in New Rockford's water?
Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is New Rockford'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 New Rockford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Rockford's water come from?
New Rockford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,391 residents.
What health violations has New Rockford's water system had?
New Rockford has 2 health-based violations 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. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is New Rockford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Rockford 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 7 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 New Rockford's water compare to other cities?
New Rockford ranks #15 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 85% of state cities) and #1114 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 New Rockford's small water system affect quality?
New Rockford's system serves approximately 1,391 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 7 violations on record.