Is Park River, 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 ↓
89.7/100
waterverge.com Park River, ND — Water Quality Report
Park River's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,403 residents using groundwater.
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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Park River's water
Park River ranks #36 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Park River 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, Park River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Park River, ND water safe to drink?
Park River's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,403 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Park River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Park River's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.7/100).
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: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Park River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Park River's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Walsh County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2010. 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 Homme Reservoir Nr Park River.
Where does Park River's water come from?
Park River's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,403 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Homme Reservoir Nr Park River (lake).
What Park River 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.
Park River'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
Walsh County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2010. 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 Park River compares by contaminant
Explore where Park River ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Park River's water comes from
Park River'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 1,403 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Park River
Park River is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Park River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PARK RIVER CITY OF | ND5000773 | 1,403 | GW |
How Park River compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Park River's score of 89.7/100 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 Park River, ND
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Park River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Walsh
Frequently asked questions
Is Park River, ND tap water safe to drink?
Park River's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #36 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Park River's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Park River'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 Park River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Park River's water come from?
Park River's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,403 residents.
Is Park River's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Park River 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 2 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 Park River's water compare to other cities?
Park River ranks #36 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 65% of state cities) and #2667 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Park River's small water system affect quality?
Park River's system serves approximately 1,403 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 2 violations on record.