Is Turtle Lake, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.9/100
waterverge.com Turtle Lake, ND — Water Quality Report
Turtle Lake's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,171 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Turtle Lake's water
Turtle Lake ranks #39 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Turtle Lake 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, Turtle Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Turtle Lake, ND water safe to drink?
Turtle Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,171 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Turtle Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Turtle Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1981). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3318). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Turtle Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Turtle Lake's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
McLean County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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 Turtle Lake's water come from?
Turtle Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,171 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Turtle Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Turtle Lake'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.
Turtle Lake'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
McLean County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Turtle Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Turtle Lake ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Turtle Lake's water comes from
Turtle Lake'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 3,171 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Turtle Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCLEAN-SHERIDAN WATER DISTRICT-SYSTEM 1 | ND2801400 | 1,800 | GW |
| TURTLE LAKE CITY OF | ND2800949 | 581 | GWP |
| MCLEAN-SHERIDAN WATER DISTRICT-SYSTEM 3 | ND2801487 | 400 | SWP |
| MCLEAN-SHERIDAN WATER DISTRICT-SYSTEM 2 | ND2801696 | 390 | SWP |
How Turtle Lake compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Turtle Lake's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Turtle Lake, ND
Wikipedia →Turtle Lake is a city in McLean County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 542 at the 2020 census. Turtle Lake was founded in 1905.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Turtle Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mclean
Frequently asked questions
Is Turtle Lake, ND tap water safe to drink?
Turtle Lake's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #39 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Turtle Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Turtle Lake'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 Turtle Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Turtle Lake's water come from?
Turtle Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,171 residents.
What health violations has Turtle Lake's water system had?
Turtle Lake has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Turtle Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Turtle Lake 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 Turtle Lake's water compare to other cities?
Turtle Lake ranks #39 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 62% of state cities) and #3166 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.