Is Wilton, ND Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.9/100
waterverge.com Wilton, ND — Water Quality Report
Wilton's drinking water received a grade of B (75.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 711 residents using gup.
Lead levels were measured at 7.5 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 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wilton's water
Wilton ranks #96 out of 103 cities in North Dakota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
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, Wilton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wilton, ND water safe to drink?
Wilton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 711 residents using gup.
Recent water quality updates for Wilton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wilton's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Wilton'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Wilton's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
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 Wilton's water come from?
Wilton's drinking water comes from gup, supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 711 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 Wilton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wilton'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Wilton'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Wilton'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. | 7.5 | 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. | 2.05 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wilton compares by contaminant
Explore where Wilton ranks among all North Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wilton's water comes from
Wilton's water comes from groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, a designation that requires the same treatment rigor as surface water systems.
This source type is vulnerable to both surface contamination pathways and naturally occurring underground contaminants.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 711 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wilton
Wilton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wilton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILTON CITY OF | ND0801031 | 711 | GUP |
How Wilton compares
Full North Dakota rankings →Wilton's score of 75.9/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major North Dakota cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View North Dakota rankings →About Wilton, ND
Wikipedia →Wilton is a city in Burleigh and McLean counties in North Dakota, United States. It is part of the "Bismarck, North Dakota Metropolitan Statistical Area" or "Bismarck-Mandan". The population was 718 at the 2020 census. Founded in 1899, Wilton was named by General W. D. Washburn after the town of Wilton in his native state of Maine.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wilton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Burleigh
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilton, ND tap water safe to drink?
Wilton's water quality earned a grade of B (75.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #96 out of 103 cities tested in North Dakota.
What contaminants are in Wilton's water?
Lead was measured at 7.5 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Wilton'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 Wilton?
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 Wilton's water come from?
Wilton's water is sourced from GUP. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 711 residents.
What health violations has Wilton's water system had?
Wilton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wilton's water compare to other cities?
Wilton ranks #96 out of 103 cities in North Dakota (better than 7% of state cities) and #9457 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wilton's small water system affect quality?
Wilton's system serves approximately 711 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 6 violations on record.