Is New Salem, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
92/100
waterverge.com New Salem, ND — Water Quality Report
New Salem's drinking water received a grade of A (92 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 946 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about New Salem's water
New Salem ranks #22 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it above average 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, New Salem may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
New Salem has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Salem, ND water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, New Salem's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (92/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 946 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for New Salem
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Salem's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92/100).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Salem's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Flood & environmental risk
Morton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 New Salem's water come from?
New Salem's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 946 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What New Salem 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 Salem'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 ↓Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Morton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in New Salem'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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 4.26 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Salem compares by contaminant
Explore where New Salem ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Salem's water comes from
New Salem'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 946 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving New Salem
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW SALEM CITY OF | ND3000736 | 946 | SWP |
How New Salem compares
Full North Dakota rankings →New Salem's score of 92/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About New Salem, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Salem's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Morton
Frequently asked questions
Is New Salem, ND tap water safe to drink?
New Salem's water quality earned a grade of A (92/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #22 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in New Salem's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is New Salem'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 Salem?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Salem's water come from?
New Salem's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 946 residents.
How does New Salem's water compare to other cities?
New Salem ranks #22 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 79% of state cities) and #1427 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Salem's small water system affect quality?
New Salem's system serves approximately 946 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 maintained a clean compliance record.