Back to Contaminant Rankings

Cities with Highest Nitrate Levels in Minnesota

These water systems have the highest measured nitrate concentrations, often from agricultural runoff. The EPA maximum contaminant level is 10 ppm.

13.90 ppm

Highest Nitrate Level

8.84 ppm

Average (Top 25)

10 ppm

EPA Max Level

About High Nitrate Levels

High nitrate levels can be particularly harmful to infants and pregnant women. Nitrate typically comes from agricultural runoff, fertilizers, and septic systems.

Infants who drink water with high nitrate levels can develop "blue baby syndrome," a serious condition that affects the blood's ability to carry oxygen. If your water exceeds 10 ppm, use bottled water for infant formula.

RankCity & SystemNitrate (ppm)Overall ScoreAction
#1

Inver Grove Heights

MN1190014

13.90

Exceeds EPA max level

F35
View Details →
#2

Thief River Falls

MN1570003

13.60

Exceeds EPA max level

F35
View Details →
#3

Fergus Falls

MN1560028

13.00

Exceeds EPA max level

F45
View Details →
#4

Aitkin

MN1010001

12.94

Exceeds EPA max level

F45
View Details →
#5

CASS LAKE

055294205

11.82

Exceeds EPA max level

F30
View Details →
#6

Ely

MN1690014

11.80

Exceeds EPA max level

F45
View Details →
#7

Mankato

MN1070012

11.60

Exceeds EPA max level

F20
View Details →
#8

Rochester

MN1550003

11.50

Exceeds EPA max level

F0
View Details →
#9

Columbia Heights

MN1020016

10.47

Exceeds EPA max level

F20
View Details →
#10

CASS LAKE

055294204

10.40

Exceeds EPA max level

F45
View Details →
#11

ST CLOUD

MN1730031

9.40

94% of EPA limit

F35
View Details →
#12

Ramsey

MN1020035

9.38

94% of EPA limit

F45
View Details →
#13

Benson

MN1760008

8.70

87% of EPA limit

C75
View Details →
#14

Hastings

MN1190031

8.20

82% of EPA limit

F45
View Details →
#15

Monticello

MN1860013

7.80

78% of EPA limit

F30
View Details →
#16

Owatonna

MN1740007

7.30

73% of EPA limit

F45
View Details →
#17

Park Rapids

MN1290011

6.90

69% of EPA limit

F45
View Details →
#18

Detroit Lakes

MN1030006

6.30

63% of EPA limit

F45
View Details →
#19

Hutchinson

MN1430004

5.70

57% of EPA limit

F45
View Details →
#20

Foley

MN1050001

5.50

55% of EPA limit

F45
View Details →
#21

Blaine

MN1020010

5.23

52% of EPA limit

C75
View Details →
#22

ST CLOUD

MN1730044

5.00

50% of EPA limit

C75
View Details →
#23

Blaine

MN1020006

4.94

49% of EPA limit

B85
View Details →
#24

ROCHESTER

MN1550017

4.80

48% of EPA limit

C75
View Details →
#25

AITKIN

MN1010012

4.75

48% of EPA limit

F40
View Details →

Check Your Water's Nitrate Levels

Enter your address to see nitrate test results for your water system

Look Up Your Address