Is Stanley, 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 ↓
86/100
waterverge.com Stanley, ND — Water Quality Report
Stanley's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,138 residents using purchased 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 10 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stanley's water
Stanley ranks #62 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it below average 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, Stanley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stanley, ND water safe to drink?
Stanley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,138 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Stanley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stanley's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4717). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4475). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chloramine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chloramine.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stanley'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
Stanley's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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.
Where does Stanley's water come from?
Stanley's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,138 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Stanley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stanley's water.
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.
Stanley'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 Stanley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Stanley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PALERMO PRODUCT TERMINAL PALERMO, ND58769 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
AUX SABLE MIDSTREAM PALERMO, ND58769 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Stanley'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. | 3.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Stanley compares by contaminant
Explore where Stanley ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stanley's water comes from
Stanley'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 1,138 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Stanley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STANLEY CITY OF | ND3100898 | 1,138 | SWP |
How Stanley compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Stanley's score of 86/100 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 →About Stanley, ND
Wikipedia →Stanley is the only major city in Mountrail County, North Dakota, United States. It is the county seat of Mountrail County. The population was 2,321 at the 2020 census, making it the 22nd most populous city in North Dakota. Stanley was founded in 1902. The town's economy is heavily connected to the nearby oil-rich Bakken Formation.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stanley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mountrail
Frequently asked questions
Is Stanley, ND tap water safe to drink?
Stanley's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #62 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Stanley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Stanley'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 Stanley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stanley's water come from?
Stanley's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,138 residents.
How does Stanley's water compare to other cities?
Stanley ranks #62 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 40% of state cities) and #5001 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Stanley's small water system affect quality?
Stanley's system serves approximately 1,138 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 10 violations on record.