Minot Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Good news for Minot residents — your tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards. At 460 ppm (26.9 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.

A

Safe to Drink

Meets all EPA standards

26.9 GPG hardness

Lead

Below EPA action level

13.5ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Very Hard water

460ppm
0100552+

US Average: 100 ppm

Violations

Past 3 years

0total

Clean record

View EPA report →

Is Minot Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Minot tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards.

LeadLead (13.5 ppb) is at 90% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 49K people in the Minot area.

Based on publicly available data from EPA Water Quality Portal (Various). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.

Do I Need a Water Filter?

With very hard water (460 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.

How Hard is Minot Water?

SoftVery Hard
060120180300+

460 ppm

26.9 grains per gallon

Very Hard

Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.

Impact on Your Home

Shower

Dries out skin & hair

Kitchen

Heavy mineral deposits

Laundry

Stiff, dingy clothes

Appliances

Significant scale

Regional Comparison

Minot
460
North Dakota
310
US Average
100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Do I Need a Water Softener?

At 460 ppm, Minot has very hard water. A water softener can help prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. According to the Water Quality Research Foundation, hard water can reduce appliance efficiency and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.

Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.

Based on 83 water samples from Ward County

Your pipes tell a different story

The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Minot tap water.

Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.

Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Minot

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

13.5 ppb

Approaching EPA Limit
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Minot lead levels are within limits but approaching the EPA action level.

While within limits, consider a filter if you have young children or want extra protection.

Last sampled: 2024-12-31

About Lead in Drinking Water

What is Lead in Water?

According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues

How to Reduce Exposure

  • Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
  • Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
  • Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
  • Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986

EPA Compliance History

Excellent Record

No violations in past 3 years

This utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.

3-Year Violation Summary

0

Total Violations

0

Health-Related

0

Administrative

All past violations resolved

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.

Administrative Violations

Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.

Who Provides Minot's Water?

Utility Name

MINOT CITY OF

EPA System ID (PWSID)

ND5100660

Primary Water Source

Groundwater

Population Served

49K

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Minot tap water quality

Based on the most recent available data, Minot tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards with no health-based violations in the past 3 years. Lead levels are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Minot has very hard water with a hardness of 460 ppm (26.9 grains per gallon). Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Lead levels (13.5 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Minot's tap water is provided by MINOT CITY OF. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is ND5100660. The primary water source is Groundwater. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
With very hard water (460 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
Minot's water utility has had no violations in the past 3 years, indicating excellent compliance with EPA drinking water regulations.
Minot's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a standard practice required by the EPA to prevent waterborne illness. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Minot's tap water primarily comes from groundwater sources. The water undergoes treatment at local facilities before being distributed through the municipal water system. The water is provided by MINOT CITY OF.

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This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology

Data source: EPA Water Quality Portal (environmental samples, not verified tap water)