Is Northwood, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.1/100
waterverge.com Northwood, ND — Water Quality Report
Northwood's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 945 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 10 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Northwood's water
Northwood ranks #45 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Northwood 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, Northwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Northwood, ND water safe to drink?
Northwood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 945 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Northwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Northwood's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4553). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Northwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Northwood's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grand Forks 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.
Where does Northwood's water come from?
Northwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 945 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Northwood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Northwood's water.
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.
Northwood'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
Grand Forks 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Northwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Northwood ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Northwood's water comes from
Northwood 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 Northwood'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 945 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Northwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTHWOOD CITY OF | ND1800753 | 945 | GWP |
How Northwood compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Northwood's score of 88.1/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Northwood, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Northwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grand Forks
Frequently asked questions
Is Northwood, ND tap water safe to drink?
Northwood's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #45 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Northwood's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Northwood'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 Northwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Northwood's water come from?
Northwood's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 945 residents.
What health violations has Northwood's water system had?
Northwood has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Northwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Northwood 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 10 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 Northwood's water compare to other cities?
Northwood ranks #45 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 56% of state cities) and #3655 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Northwood's small water system affect quality?
Northwood's system serves approximately 945 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 10 violations on record.