City of West Fargo

Elevated lead levels can pose serious health risks, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in tap water primarily comes from materials and components associated with service lines and household plumbing. While City of West Fargo provides quality municipal water, they cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components.

When water sits in pipes for several hours, you can reduce potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. If concerned about lead, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction strategies is available from the Safe Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Testing Results - Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium is a microbial parasite found in surface waters throughout the United States. While filtration can remove Cryptosporidium, standard filtration methods cannot guarantee complete removal. Symptoms of infection include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Most healthy individuals recover within weeks, but immunocompromised people face greater risk of severe or life-threatening illness.

The City of Fargo completed required source water testing for Cryptosporidium in 2017 to comply with the Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. Analysis of 24 samples showed an average of 0.095 oocysts per liter in the source water (Red River or Sheyenne River), placing the treatment center in the second lowest of four treatment requirement levels. The City of Fargo plans to implement a filter-to-waste method to meet these requirements.

Bromate Issues
In 2017, the City of Fargo's highest measurements of bromate exceeded EPA limits for municipal water. Long-term consumption of water containing excessive bromate may increase cancer risk. Fargo is actively working to reduce bromate levels in treated water to meet EPA regulatory requirements.

Question: How do I test for a water leak at my house?

Answer: To begin testing for a water leak, first locate your meter, remove the lid and record the current reading. Avoid using any water in your home for 3-4 hours. Then record the reading again. If the numbers have changed, a leak may exist between the meter and your house or within your plumbing system. Remember that the water service line/plumbing system is the homeowner's responsibility.

Subtract the first reading from the second to calculate water loss during the test. Small leaks may take longer to register changes on your meter. If results are inconclusive, try a longer 10-12 hour test when no water will be used.

If you confirm a leak, begin looking for wet spots on the ground between the meter and your home. Check pipes, lines, connections, and valves under your house or in your basement. Inspect your water heater and toilets. Silent toilet leaks can be detected by adding food coloring to the tank—if color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

Toilet issues may include improperly sealed rubber stoppers, tangled chains, or incorrectly positioned floats. Important: Do not turn off the valve in the meter box, as you may be responsible for repair costs if damaged. For emergency water shutoff, contact your local municipal utility.

Question: How many gallons could leak through a running toilet in ten minutes?

Answer: A running toilet can leak between 1.5-50 gallons in ten minutes, depending on variables like tank size, valve condition, and water pressure, resulting in increased water and sewer bills.

Question: I've compared my bill to my neighbor's - why is mine higher? We have the same size house.

Answer: Water and sewer bills reflect actual consumption, not house size. The national average per person is 2,000-2,500 gallons monthly for personal hygiene alone. Family usage patterns vary significantly based on individual habits and behaviors.

Question: Can I change my due date?

Answer: No. The utility system operates on four distinct billing cycles. Meters are read according to geographic regions, and billing follows this established schedule.

Question: How do I report a water outage or sewer stoppage?

Answer: For suspected water main breaks, sewer overflows, or related issues, call the emergency number provided by your utility. These situations require professional assessment. When reporting, specify the problem type and location, and provide your contact information so officials can reach you if additional details are needed.