Lead Service Lines in Minot, ND
What you need to know
About 59,884 people in the Minot area get water from six public systems. Right now, we don't have confirmed data on whether lead service lines exist in any of these systems—that information either hasn't been reported publicly yet, or testing is still underway.
This doesn't mean there's no lead. It means the utilities haven't disclosed their findings to regulators or the public. Federal law requires water systems to test for lead and report results, but timelines vary and some systems are earlier in the process than others.
Your water system
The City of Minot serves about 48,743 people—the majority of the region. The remaining population gets water from five smaller systems: North Prairie RWD (Systems 1, 2, and III), West River Water and Sewer, and Plaza City of.
Each system is responsible for identifying and tracking lead service lines that connect the water main to homes. If your house was built before 1986, your connection is more likely to contain lead.
What you can do right now
Contact your local water utility directly. Ask:
- Does our system have lead service lines?
- Has my service line been tested?
- What's the timeline for testing or replacement if lead is found?
The City of Minot and the smaller systems are your best source for specific information about your neighborhood or address. They can also tell you about free or low-cost testing programs and whether any lead reduction projects are planned.
You can find contact information for your utility through the city's public works department or on your water bill.
If you're concerned about your water
If you want to know whether lead is in your drinking water right now, you can buy an inexpensive test kit at a hardware store or request a free test from your water utility. Running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking is a simple precaution if you're worried.
For questions about health effects, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead information line.
Next steps for residents
- Find your water utility on your water bill or by contacting Minot's city public works office
- Call and ask whether lead service lines have been identified in your area, and if testing data is available
- Request a free water test if your utility offers one
- Check for visible corrosion inside pipe connections under your sink (blue-green staining can indicate copper corrosion, which sometimes goes hand-in-hand with lead)