McLean County, North Dakota — public water systems

How does McLean County compare with other North Dakota counties?

McLean County has the 6th-most active public water systems among the 61 counties listed for active North Dakota systems in EPA records; among the 49 with 3 or more systems, the median has 6. Its systems report 9,697 people served in total, the 14th-largest county figure in the state and 1.3% of the statewide total. The average system here reports serving 746 people, about 60% below the North Dakota average of 1,864. Population figures are what each system reports; people served by more than one system, such as a wholesaler and the town that buys from it, are counted by each.

Where does McLean County's drinking water come from?

By primary water source, McLean County's active systems draw on purchased groundwater (4, 31%), surface water (4, 31%), purchased surface water (4, 31%) and groundwater (1, 7.7%). Overall, 38% rely mainly on groundwater (including purchased groundwater) and 62% on surface water, compared with 74% and 26% across North Dakota. Purchased groundwater means the system buys groundwater from another public water system rather than drawing its own. The county's largest system, Garrison Rural Water District, draws primarily on purchased surface water.

What kinds of water systems operate in McLean County?

McLean County's active systems break down as 12 community systems (92%) and 1 non-transient non-community systems (7.7%). A community water system serves at least 15 connections used by year-round residents, or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents. Homes, apartments and mobile-home parks are served by these. A non-transient non-community water system regularly serves at least 25 of the same people for more than six months a year, but not where they live. Schools, factories, office buildings and hospitals with their own supply are typical examples. EPA lists their owner types as local government (69%) and private (31%).