Is Washburn, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90/100
waterverge.com Washburn, ND — Water Quality Report
Washburn's drinking water received a grade of A (90 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,246 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 30 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Washburn's water
Washburn ranks #34 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Washburn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Washburn, ND water safe to drink?
Washburn's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,246 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Washburn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Washburn's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: 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 Washburn's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Washburn's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 1 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. Local water sources include Missouri River.
Where does Washburn's water come from?
Washburn's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,246 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Missouri River (river).
What Washburn 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Washburn'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 Washburn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Washburn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BLUE FLINT ETHANOL UNDERWOOD, ND58576 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
COAL CREEK STATION UNDERWOOD, ND58576 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Washburn'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. | 5.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Washburn compares by contaminant
Explore where Washburn ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Washburn's water comes from
Washburn'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 1,246 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Washburn
Washburn is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Washburn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WASHBURN CITY OF | ND2800989 | 1,246 | SW |
How Washburn compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Washburn's score of 90/100 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 Washburn, ND
Wikipedia →Washburn is a city in southern McLean County, North Dakota, United States. Located along the upper Missouri River, it is the county seat of McLean County. The population was 1,300 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Washburn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mclean
Frequently asked questions
Is Washburn, ND tap water safe to drink?
Washburn's water quality earned a grade of A (90/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #34 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Washburn's water?
Lead was measured at 5.1 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Washburn'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 Washburn?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Washburn's water come from?
Washburn's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,246 residents.
What health violations has Washburn's water system had?
Washburn has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Washburn's water compare to other cities?
Washburn ranks #34 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 67% of state cities) and #2481 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Washburn's small water system affect quality?
Washburn's system serves approximately 1,246 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 30 violations on record.