PFAS in Minnesota Drinking Water: What You Need to Know

Minnesota has a complicated relationship with PFAS. As home to 3M—one of the world's largest manufacturers of PFAS compounds—our state has been on the frontlines of both PFAS contamination and the effort to clean it up. Understanding PFAS in your drinking water is essential for making informed decisions about your family's health.

What Exactly Are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals first developed in the 1940s. They're prized for their ability to repel water, grease, and stains, which made them incredibly useful in consumer and industrial products.

You've likely encountered PFAS in:

• Non-stick cookware (Teflon)
• Waterproof clothing and outdoor gear
• Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
• Food packaging (microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers)
• Firefighting foam
• Personal care products

The problem is that the same chemical properties that make PFAS useful—their stability and resistance to breakdown—also make them incredibly persistent in the environment. Once released, they don't go away. They accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms, including humans.

The Minnesota PFAS Story

Minnesota's PFAS problem is closely tied to 3M, the Maplewood-based company that invented Scotchgard and manufactured PFAS compounds for decades. For years, 3M disposed of PFAS waste at sites in the East Metro area, where it seeped into groundwater.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Research on PFAS health effects has accelerated in recent years, and the findings are concerning. PFAS compounds have been associated with a wide range of health problems:

Children may be particularly vulnerable to PFAS exposure because their developing bodies are more susceptible to chemical disruption. Studies have found associations between PFAS exposure and developmental delays, behavioral issues, and reduced vaccine response in children.

Which Minnesota Cities Are Affected?

PFAS contamination isn't evenly distributed across Minnesota. The East Metro area, where 3M's disposal sites were located, has the highest contamination levels. However, PFAS have been detected in water supplies across the state, often from sources like airports (firefighting foam) or industrial facilities.

You can check whether your city has detected PFAS using our PFAS detection map. For detailed information about PFAS health effects and sources, visit our PFAS contaminant guide.

Understanding the New EPA Limits

In 2024, the EPA finalized the first-ever federal drinking water standards for PFAS. These limits are incredibly stringent, reflecting the agency's assessment that PFAS pose health risks at very low concentrations:

To put these numbers in perspective: 4 parts per trillion is equivalent to 4 drops of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. These are among the strictest drinking water standards ever set, reflecting the serious health concerns associated with PFAS exposure.

How to Remove PFAS from Your Water

If your water supply has detected PFAS, or you simply want extra protection, several filtration technologies can effectively remove these chemicals. For more detailed recommendations, see our water filter guide.

Most Effective: Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Reverse osmosis systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks most contaminants, including PFAS. RO systems typically remove 90-99% of PFAS compounds. They're available as under-sink units or whole-house systems.

• Pros: Highly effective, removes many contaminants
• Cons: Higher cost, wastes some water, requires installation
• Cost: $200-$500 for under-sink; $1,500+ for whole-house

Good Alternative: Activated Carbon Filters

Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters can reduce PFAS levels, though not as effectively as RO. Look for filters specifically certified for PFAS removal (NSF P473 certification).

• Pros: More affordable, easier to install
• Cons: Less effective than RO, requires regular filter replacement
• Cost: $30-$150 for pitcher/faucet; $100-$300 for under-sink

What Minnesota Is Doing About PFAS

Minnesota has been a national leader in addressing PFAS contamination. The 2018 settlement with 3M provided $850 million for water treatment, cleanup, and monitoring. The state has:

• Installed treatment systems in affected communities
• Provided alternative water supplies where needed
• Conducted extensive groundwater monitoring
• Established health-based guidance values for PFAS
• Required public water systems to test for PFAS

With the new federal limits in place, water systems nationwide now have until 2029 to comply. Many Minnesota communities are already ahead of this timeline thanks to settlement-funded improvements.

The Bottom Line

PFAS in drinking water is a serious issue that Minnesota has been grappling with for years. While progress has been made—particularly in the East Metro where the worst contamination occurred—PFAS remain a concern statewide.

The best thing you can do is stay informed about your local water quality. Check your city's PFAS status using our tool, and consider installing a certified filter if PFAS have been detected in your water supply.

Frequently Asked Questions