Is Balaton, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-. Lead was detected — within EPA limits, but worth understanding. Here's the full picture. What to do next ↓
89.9/100
waterverge.com Balaton, MN — Water Quality Report
Balaton's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 639 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Balaton's water
Balaton ranks #219 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Balaton relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Balaton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Balaton, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Balaton's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A- (89.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 639 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Balaton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Balaton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4390). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Balaton's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Balaton's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lyon County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Balaton's water come from?
Balaton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 639 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Balaton residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Balaton's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtLyon County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Lyon County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Balaton's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 12.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 12.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Balaton compares by contaminant
Explore where Balaton ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Balaton's water comes from
Balaton's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 639 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Balaton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balaton | MN1420001 | 639 | GW |
How Balaton compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Balaton's score of 89.9/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Balaton, MN
Wikipedia →Balaton is a city in Lyon County, Minnesota, United States. As of the 2020 census, Balaton had a population of 595.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Balaton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lyon
Frequently asked questions
Is Balaton, MN tap water safe to drink?
Balaton's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #219 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Balaton's water?
Lead was measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Balaton's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Balaton?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Balaton's water come from?
Balaton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 639 residents.
Is Balaton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Balaton uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 2 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Balaton's water compare to other cities?
Balaton ranks #219 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 53% of state cities) and #2531 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Balaton's small water system affect quality?
Balaton's system serves approximately 639 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 2 violations on record.