Is Parshall, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Parshall ranks. What to do next ↓
89.9/100
Parshall, ND — Water Quality Report
Parshall's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 903 residents using 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 13 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Parshall's water
Parshall ranks #35 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Parshall may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Parshall, ND water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Parshall's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A- (89.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 903 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Parshall
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Parshall's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4475). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Parshall's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Parshall's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mountrail County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 E. Fork Shell Creek Nr Parshall.
Where does Parshall's water come from?
Parshall's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 903 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include E. Fork Shell Creek Nr Parshall (river).
What Parshall 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.
Parshall'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
Mountrail County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Parshall compares by contaminant
Explore where Parshall ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Parshall's water comes from
Parshall'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 903 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Parshall
Parshall is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Parshall
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PARSHALL, CITY OF | 083890030 | 903 | SW |
How Parshall compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Parshall's score of 89.9/100 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 →ZIP codes served by Parshall
The water system serving Parshall covers 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Parshall, ND
Wikipedia →Parshall is a city lying within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. It is located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in Mountrail County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 949 at the 2020 census. Parshall was founded in 1914 by George Parshall, and is the home of the Paul Broste Rock Museum.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Parshall's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Parshall, ND tap water safe to drink?
Parshall's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #35 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Parshall's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Parshall'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 Parshall?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Parshall's water come from?
Parshall's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 903 residents.
What health violations has Parshall's water system had?
Parshall has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does Parshall's water compare to other cities?
Parshall ranks #35 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 66% of state cities) and #2519 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Parshall's small water system affect quality?
Parshall's system serves approximately 903 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 13 violations on record.