Is Sharon, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
87/100
waterverge.com Sharon, ND — Water Quality Report
Sharon's drinking water received a grade of A- (87 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,166 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sharon's water
Sharon ranks #52 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sharon 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, Sharon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sharon, ND water safe to drink?
Sharon's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,166 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sharon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sharon's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sharon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Sharon's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Steele County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 Sharon's water come from?
Sharon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,166 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sharon 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.
Sharon'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
Steele County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sharon's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.75 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sharon compares by contaminant
Explore where Sharon ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sharon's water comes from
Sharon'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,166 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Sharon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAKOTA RURAL WATER DISTRICT NORTH | ND2001061 | 1,070 | GW |
| SHARON CITY OF | ND4600875 | 96 | GWP |
How Sharon compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Sharon's score of 87/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sharon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Griggs
Frequently asked questions
Is Sharon, ND tap water safe to drink?
Sharon's water quality earned a grade of A- (87/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #52 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Sharon's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Sharon'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 Sharon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sharon's water come from?
Sharon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,166 residents.
Is Sharon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sharon 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 7 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 Sharon's water compare to other cities?
Sharon ranks #52 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 50% of state cities) and #4341 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.