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Water Quality Concerns in Minnesota

These water systems are facing quality challenges and may need infrastructure improvements, treatment upgrades, or closer monitoring to ensure safe drinking water for residents.

Key Issues Identified

Lead Concerns

6

Systems above EPA action level

PFAS Detected

7

Systems with PFAS chemicals

EPA Violations

11

Systems with violations

What's Being Done

Infrastructure Investment: Minnesota is investing in water infrastructure upgrades to replace aging pipes and improve treatment facilities.

Monitoring & Testing: The EPA and Minnesota Department of Health require regular testing and public reporting of water quality data.

PFAS Remediation: New regulations are being developed to address PFAS contamination, with treatment systems being installed in affected areas.

Lead Reduction: Utilities with elevated lead levels must implement corrosion control measures and replace lead service lines.

Systems Needing Improvement

Ranked by overall water quality score

RankCity & SystemScoreLead (ppb)Nitrate (ppm)IssuesAction
#317

Rochester

MN1550003

F0
18.211.5
High LeadHigh NitratePFASViolations
View Details →
#316

Mankato

MN1070012

F20
15.811.6
High LeadHigh NitrateViolations
View Details →
#315

Columbia Heights

MN1020016

F20
20.910.5
High LeadHigh NitrateViolations
View Details →
#314

Monticello

MN1860013

F30
15.17.8
High LeadViolations
View Details →
#313

CASS LAKE

055294205

F30
21.511.8
High LeadHigh Nitrate
View Details →
#312

Thief River Falls

MN1570003

F35
12.213.6
High NitrateViolations
View Details →
#311

ST CLOUD

MN1730031

F35
10.39.4
PFAS
View Details →
#310

Inver Grove Heights

MN1190014

F35
12.913.9
High NitrateViolations
View Details →
#309

AITKIN

MN1010012

F40
18.34.8
High LeadViolations
View Details →
#308

Park Rapids

MN1290011

F45
5.96.9
PFAS
View Details →
#307

Ramsey

MN1020035

F45
9.19.4
PFAS
View Details →
#306

Owatonna

MN1740007

F45
8.87.3
PFAS
View Details →
#305

Detroit Lakes

MN1030006

F45
11.76.3
Violations
View Details →
#304

CASS LAKE

055294204

F45
12.410.4
High Nitrate
View Details →
#303

Hutchinson

MN1430004

F45
8.85.7
PFAS
View Details →
#302

Foley

MN1050001

F45
5.15.5
PFAS
View Details →
#301

Hastings

MN1190031

F45
11.18.2
Violations
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#300

Ely

MN1690014

F45
9.011.8
High NitrateViolations
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#299

Fergus Falls

MN1560028

F45
9.213.0
High NitrateViolations
View Details →
#298

Aitkin

MN1010001

F45
10.112.9
High Nitrate
View Details →

Understanding Water Quality Issues

Lead in Water

Lead typically enters drinking water through corrosion of plumbing materials, especially in older buildings. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. If exceeded, water systems must take action.

Nitrate Contamination

Nitrate comes from agricultural runoff, fertilizers, and septic systems. The EPA maximum contaminant level is 10 ppm. High levels can be especially harmful to infants.

PFAS "Forever Chemicals"

PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. They've been linked to health issues. New EPA regulations are being developed to limit PFAS in drinking water.

What You Can Do

If your water system has issues, consider using certified water filters, requesting testing from your utility, and staying informed through local water quality reports.

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