Tap Water Results

Is Bismarck, ND tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for City of Bismarck.

3 public water systems serve parts of Bismarck. The largest, City of Bismarck, serves 72,417 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

City of Bismarck

72,417 people · Groundwater under influence of surface water · EPA ID ND0800080

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 2.8 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2024, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Full City of Bismarck results

Across North Dakota, 0 of 41 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 3 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. North Dakota results.

Bismarck homes and lead pipes

44%
of homes built before 1980 (North Dakota 48%, US 50%)
9%
built before 1950 (North Dakota 15%)
35%
of households rent (North Dakota 37%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Bismarck city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Bismarck

  • South Central Rural Water District North Burleigh
    10,400 people · Groundwater under influence of surface water · North Dakota · reported ZIPs here
    Lithium above screening level
  • South Central Regional Water District
    3,700 people · Purchased groundwater (surface-influenced) · North Dakota · reported ZIPs here
    Lithium above screening level

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Mandan 6 mi
City of Mandan
City of MandanNone above limits4.2 ppb
Dickinson 96 mi
City of Dickinson
City of DickinsonNone above limits5.29 ppb
Minot 101 mi
City of Minot
City of MinotNone above limits13.5 ppb
Williston 165 mi
City of Williston
City of WillistonNone above limits0 ppb
West Fargo 183 mi
City of West Fargo
City of West FargoNone above limits0 ppb
Fargo 186 mi
City of Fargo
City of FargoNone above limits1.89 ppb
Bismarck ZIP codes (2)
  • 58501
  • 58505

Questions

Is Bismarck tap water safe to drink?

City of Bismarck has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Bismarck, ND?

3 public water systems serve parts of Bismarck. The largest is City of Bismarck (72,417 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Bismarck tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. City of Bismarck had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Bismarck homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 44% of Bismarck homes as built before 1980 (North Dakota: 48%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. City of Bismarck's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.