Learn about common contaminants found in Minnesota tap water, their health effects, EPA regulations, and how to protect your family.
Lead is a toxic metal that was commonly used in plumbing, paint, and gasoline. It can enter drinking water through corroding pipes, faucets, and fixtures, especially in homes built before 1986.
Nitrate is a naturally occurring compound that becomes a health concern at elevated levels. It commonly enters water supplies from agricultural fertilizers, animal waste, and septic systems.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment or the human body. They're called "forever chemicals" because they persist indefinitely.
The EPA requires public water systems to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. The contaminants shown above are among the most common concerns in Minnesota.