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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

1

Systems above EPA action level

PFAS Detected

2

Systems with PFAS chemicals

EPA Violations

2

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
#79

Monticello

MN1860013

F30
15.17.8
High LeadViolations
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#78

ST CLOUD

MN1730031

F35
10.39.4
PFAS
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#77

Owatonna

MN1740007

F45
8.87.3
PFAS
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#76

Minneapolis

MN1820038

F55
10.65.3
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#75

Minnetonka

MN1820017

F55
10.55.2
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#74

Shakopee

MN1700021

F55
11.19.2
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#73

Jordan

MN1700005

F55
10.97.5
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#72

MONTEVIDEO

MN1870010

F55
10.65.1
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#71

COLD SPRING

MN1730007

F55
12.95.5
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#70

ELK RIVER

MN1730058

F55
12.08.1
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#69

Shakopee

MN1700025

F55
10.25.4
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#68

Lakeville

MN1700027

F55
12.78.4
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#67

CROOKSTON

MN1600015

F55
12.410.0
High Nitrate
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#66

Maple Grove

MN1710014

F55
12.99.9
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#65

Princeton

MN1710005

F55
12.35.1
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#64

Savage

MN1700008

F55
8.67.3
Violations
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#63

Sartell

MN1730036

F55
11.97.4
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#62

ST CLOUD

MN1730029

F55
12.69.4
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#61

Monticello

MN1860015

F55
12.95.5
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#60

ST CLOUD

MN1730041

F55
12.88.3
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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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