WaterVerge

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 ↓

903 residents served 1 water system PWSID: 083890030
Overall Score
89.9 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#35 of 103 in North Dakota Top 16% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.9/100
waterverge.com
A- 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.9 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
38.9/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Parshall, ND water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

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).

3
Violations (5yr)
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Parshall

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Parshall's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
FLOODING

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.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MONMCLMR
Most recent violations:
Jun 2021 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2021 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2021 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Oct 2020 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2020 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

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.

FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4717
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4475
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4190

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

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

13
Total violations
8
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Jun 2021
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

13 Total
0 Active
8 Health-based
13 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
8
Revised Total Coliform Rule
2
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
2
Nitrate Rule
1
Jun 2021 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jun 2021
Jan 2021 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2021
Jan 2021 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2021
Oct 2020 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2020
Oct 2020 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2020
Jul 2020 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2020
Jul 2020 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2020
Apr 2020 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2020
Jan 2020 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2020
Jul 2019 Resolved
Nitrate-Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2019
May 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2018
Jan 2017 Resolved
OXAMYL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
OXAMYL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Jul 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Jul 2023
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4717
Jan 2020
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4475
Aug 2014
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4190
May 2011
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1981
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3247
May 2001
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, & GROUND SATURATION
Flood FEMA #1376

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.0 ppb from 2020 (1.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
903
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Parshall's water comes from

Surface Water

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

E. Fork Shell Creek Nr Parshall
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Parshall

System Name PWSID Population Source
PARSHALL, CITY OF 083890030 903 SW
Regional Comparison

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.

Parshall (this city)
89.9
Fargo
91.5
Bismarck
85.7
Minot
83.2
North Dakota avg
82
Service Area

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.

City Profile

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.

Economic Profile
$44,904
Median Income
$154,097
Median Home Value
$674/mo
Median Rent
2.5%
Unemployment
Community
32.6
Median Age
133
People / sq mi
16%
College Educated
49.4%
Homeownership
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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.