LeadPipeLookup

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Lead service lines in Bismarck, ND

11 water utilities serve Bismarck, with approximately 91,101 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
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Lead Service Lines in Bismarck, ND

What you need to know

About 91,000 people in the Bismarck area get water from 11 different water systems. The good news: current inventory data shows no confirmed lead service lines have been identified in any of these systems.

That said, "no confirmed" doesn't mean lead isn't there—it often means utilities haven't finished mapping their pipes yet. Lead service lines are most common in older neighborhoods, typically in homes built before 1950. If your house was built around that time or earlier, there's a higher chance your connection to the main water line is lead.

Why this matters

Lead can leach into your water, especially if water is acidic or sits in pipes overnight. Even small amounts can be harmful, particularly for young children and pregnant people. The EPA's action level is 15 parts per billion (ppb), but there is no truly "safe" level.

Your water systems

The largest utility serving Bismarck is City of Bismarck, which provides water to about 72,400 people. South Central Regional Water District and its affiliated systems serve the remaining areas.

None of these utilities have reported known lead service lines in their current inventories. However, inventories are often incomplete, especially in rural or newly annexed areas.

What to do now

Your best first step is to contact your water utility directly and ask:

  • Does your address have a lead service line?
  • Has your area been surveyed for lead pipes?
  • Can they tell you when the connection to your home was installed?

You can also have your water tested for lead (under $30 at most labs) if you're concerned about your specific home.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your utility — Find your provider above and call their customer service line to ask about your address and lead pipes.
  • Get your water tested — A simple lab test costs $20–40 and tells you what's in your water right now.
  • Check your home's age — Homes built before 1950 are at higher risk; look up your address in county property records.
  • Learn about filters — If testing shows lead, NSF-certified filters can reduce it; the CDC has guidance at cdc.gov.

Utilities serving Bismarck

Common questions

Does Bismarck have lead in the water?

Current utility inventories report no confirmed lead service lines in Bismarck's water systems. However, inventories are often incomplete, especially for older homes. The best way to know your own situation is to contact your water utility or have your water tested.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Call your water utility and provide your address—they should have records of when your connection was installed. Alternatively, you can dig up the connection at your property line (usually in a pit near the street) and look at the pipe itself: lead is soft, gray, and won't stick to a magnet.

What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my drinking water?

Get your water tested at a certified lab ($20–40) to measure lead levels. If results show lead, use an NSF-certified filter or talk to your utility about flushing the line. For health concerns, contact your doctor or the CDC.

Which water utility serves my address in Bismarck?

The City of Bismarck serves most of the city's population. If you're in a rural area, you may be served by South Central RWD, South Central Regional Water District, or a smaller cooperative. Contact your utility's customer service line with your address to confirm.