Is Pembina, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.3/100
waterverge.com Pembina, ND — Water Quality Report
Pembina's drinking water received a grade of A (92.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 592 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 14 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pembina's water
Pembina ranks #18 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Pembina 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, Pembina may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pembina, ND water safe to drink?
Pembina's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 592 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pembina
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pembina's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4553). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pembina's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pembina's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pembina 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 Red River Of The North.
Where does Pembina's water come from?
Pembina's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 592 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Red River Of The North (river).
What Pembina 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.
Pembina'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Pembina
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pembina, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US CBP PEMBINA PORT OF ENTRY ND0014 PEMBINA, ND58271 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Pembina 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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pembina compares by contaminant
Explore where Pembina ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pembina's water comes from
Pembina 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 Pembina'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 592 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pembina
Pembina is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pembina
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEMBINA CITY OF | ND3400777 | 592 | GWP |
How Pembina compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Pembina's score of 92.3/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Pembina, ND
Wikipedia →Pembina is a city in Pembina County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 512 at the 2020 census. Pembina is located 2 miles (3.2 km) south of the Canada–US border. Interstate 29 passes on the western side of Pembina, leading north to the Canada–US border at Emerson, Manitoba and south to the cities of Grand Forks and Fargo. The Pembina–Emerson Border Crossing is the busiest between Surrey–Blaine, and Windsor–Detroit, and the fifth busiest along the Canada-United States border. It is one of three 24-hour ports of entry in North Dakota, the others being Portal and Dunseith. The Noyes–Emerson East Border Crossing, located 2 miles (3.2 km) to the east on the Minnesota side of the Red River, also processed cross-border traffic until its closure in 2006.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pembina's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pembina
Frequently asked questions
Is Pembina, ND tap water safe to drink?
Pembina's water quality earned a grade of A (92.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #18 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Pembina's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Pembina'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 Pembina?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pembina's water come from?
Pembina's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 592 residents.
What health violations has Pembina's water system had?
Pembina has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pembina's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pembina 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 14 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 Pembina's water compare to other cities?
Pembina ranks #18 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 83% of state cities) and #1304 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pembina's small water system affect quality?
Pembina's system serves approximately 592 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 14 violations on record.