WaterVerge

Is Tioga, 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 ↓

3K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: ND5300936
Overall Score
90.4 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#32 of 103 in North Dakota Top 14% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
90.4/100
waterverge.com
A 90.4/100

Tioga, ND — Water Quality Report

Tioga's drinking water received a grade of A (90.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,205 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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.

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

What to know about Tioga's water

Tioga ranks #32 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, Tioga may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
90.4 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.4/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Tioga, ND water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Tioga's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,205 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

2
Active Violations
1.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Tioga

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tioga's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.4/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1981). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3247). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tioga's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Tioga's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Nov 2011 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Nov 2009 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Oct 2009 Chlorine Resolved
Nov 1998 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 1994 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Williams County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1981
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3247
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, SNOW, ICE, GROUND SATURATION, LANSLIDES, MUDSLIDES, AND TOR
Flood FEMA DR-1279

Where does Tioga's water come from?

Tioga's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,205 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Tioga 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

Tioga'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
1.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 11% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

7
Total violations
0
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Nov 2011
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

7 Total
2 Active
0 Health-based
5 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
3
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Nov 2011 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Nov 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2009
Oct 2009 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2009
Nov 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1998
Jan 1994 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1994
Dec 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Tioga

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tioga, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
WHITING OIL & GAS CORP LLC - RAY GAS PLANT
Natural Gas Processing · CHORD ENERGY CORP
RAY, ND58849
8.6 mi
HESS TIOGA GAS PLANT LLC
Natural Gas Processing · HESS MIDSTREAM LP
TIOGA, ND58852
1.4 mi
NESSON GAS PLANT
Natural Gas Processing · EXXON MOBIL CORP
TIOGA, ND58852
5.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Williams County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

17.2%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
May 2011
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Williams County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2011
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1981
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3247
Jun 1999
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, SNOW, ICE, GROUND SATURATION, LANSLIDES, MUDSLIDES, AND TOR
Flood FEMA #1279
Apr 1997
SEVERE FLOODING,SEVERE WINTER STORMS, SNOWMELT, SPRING RAINS
Flood FEMA #1174
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1001
Apr 1979
SEVERE STORMS, SNOWMELT & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #581

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.7 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 2.2 ppb from 1994 (3.9 ppb) to 2024 (1.7 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,205
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Tioga's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Tioga'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 3,205 people through 2 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Tioga

System Name PWSID Population Source
TIOGA CITY OF ND5300936 2,202 SWP
R & T WATER SYSTEM ND5301152 1,003 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Tioga compares

Full North Dakota rankings →

Tioga's score of 90.4/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Tioga (this city)
90.4
Fargo
91.5
Bismarck
85.7
Minot
83.2
North Dakota avg
82
City Profile

About Tioga, ND

Economic Profile
$63,920
Median Income
$179,328
Median Home Value
$950/mo
Median Rent
4.9%
Unemployment
Community
36
Median Age
159
People / sq mi
17.1%
College Educated
58.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Tioga, ND tap water safe to drink?

Tioga's water quality earned a grade of A (90.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #32 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.

What contaminants are in Tioga's water?

Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.

How is Tioga'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 Tioga?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Tioga's water come from?

Tioga's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,205 residents.

How does Tioga's water compare to other cities?

Tioga ranks #32 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 69% of state cities) and #2226 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.