Water Quality in Grand Forks, ND

Grand Forks's water has very hard water (259 PPM). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Read below for a full breakdown.

Grand Forks Water Treatment · Source: Red River of the North · Serves 56,588 residents

259
Hardness (PPM)
411
TDS (PPM)
0.7
Chlorine (mg/L)
3
PFAS (ppt)
3
Lead (ppb)
259 PPM 0 400 Extremely Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 259 PPM TDS 411 PPM PFAS 3 ppt Lead 3 ppb Chlorine 0.7 mg/L Nitrate 5 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Grand Forks Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Extremely hard water

Grand Forks draws from the Red River. Water is very hard from glacial lake deposits in the Red River Valley.

What Grand Forks's Water Means for Your Home

Grand Forks residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 259 PPM (15.1 grains per gallon), the water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from the regional geology as surface water is treated and distributed. This is not a safety issue. The minerals are safe to consume. But they create real, measurable costs for homeowners. Hard water at 259 PPM costs the average household $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden expenses, including higher energy bills from scale-insulated water heaters, increased soap and detergent usage, and premature appliance failure. Many Grand Forks homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

Beyond hardness, Grand Forks's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.7 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)259 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids411 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM⚠ Elevated
PFAS (total)3 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead3 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine0.7 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate5 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Grand Forks Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 259 PPM (15.1 GPG), Grand Forks's water is extremely hard. Scale will accumulate in pipes, water heaters, and on fixtures. A salt-based ion exchange softener removes the calcium and magnesium causing the problem. For a typical Grand Forks household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
Learn more about this solution →

About Grand Forks's Water Supply

Water Utility: Grand Forks Water Treatment

Water Source: Red River of the North

Population Served: 56,588

Hardness: 259 PPM (15.1 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Grand Forks Water Treatment. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Grand Forks to Other North Dakota Cities

Fargo

230 PPM · Very Hard

Bismarck

299 PPM · Extremely Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Forks Water

Is Grand Forks tap water safe to drink?
Grand Forks's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Grand Forks?
Yes. At 259 PPM (15.1 GPG), Grand Forks's water is extremely hard. Without a softener, expect visible scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, reduced water heater efficiency (15 to 25 percent higher energy costs), spotted dishes and glassware, and soap that does not lather well. A salt-based water softener is the standard solution. For a typical Grand Forks home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for Grand Forks?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Grand Forks's water come from?
Grand Forks's drinking water is sourced from Red River of the North and treated by Grand Forks Water Treatment. Grand Forks draws from the Red River. Water is very hard from glacial lake deposits in the Red River Valley.
What is the hardness of Grand Forks water in grains per gallon?
Grand Forks's water hardness is 15.1 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 259 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as extremely hard. Most water softener manufacturers recommend treatment above 7 GPG. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Grand Forks water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 15.1 GPG, Grand Forks's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Grand Forks water safe for babies and infants?
Grand Forks's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.
How much does hard water cost a Grand Forks household per year?
At 259 PPM, hard water costs the average Grand Forks household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Grand Forks households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Grand Forks Water Treatment Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.