Water Quality in Minot, ND: 8 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 41/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Minot's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
On record with EPA: Minot, ND has 8 water violations.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Minot
Water quality varies across Minot's 4 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58701 | F | 33 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 58703 | F | 33 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 58702 | D | 48 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 58707 | D | 48 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Minot, North Dakota receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 41 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Minot have accumulated 8 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 4 ZIP codes serving approximately 59,854 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Minot's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Minot water systems is 0.0135 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 53% of homes built before 1986, Minot has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Minot is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Minot
Minot is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 59,854 people across 4 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 40 enforcement actions against water systems serving Minot. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Minot
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Minot Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Minot's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 4 | 4 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Minot. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-08-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-07-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-05-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-04-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-04-20 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-04-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-04-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-02-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-01-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-01-23 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-08-10.
Minot vs. Nearby North Dakota Cities
How Minot's water quality compares to similar cities in North Dakota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minot | D | 8 | 5 | 59,854 |
| Grand Forks | C | 0 | 1 | 57,339 |
| Baldwin | D | 0 | 1 | 72,417 |
| Saint Anthony | D | 0 | 1 | 72,417 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Minot
Water quality varies across Minot's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58701 | 33 | F | 2 | 0 |
| 58703 | 33 | F | 2 | 0 |
| 58702 | 48 | D | 2 | 0 |
| 58707 | 48 | D | 2 | 0 |
Common Questions About Minot Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Minot, North Dakota:
Is Minot water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Minot's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Minot tap water? Minot's water receives a grade of D (41/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Minot? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Minot vs. North Dakota Average
Understanding how Minot compares to the broader North Dakota average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Minot.
ZIP Codes in Minot
Minot spans 4 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 58701. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.