Is Barnum, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.9/100
waterverge.com Barnum, MN — Water Quality Report
Barnum's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 621 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 13 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Barnum's water
Barnum ranks #250 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Barnum 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.
As a small community water system, Barnum may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Barnum, MN water safe to drink?
Barnum's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 621 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Barnum
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Barnum's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4390). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Barnum's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Barnum's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carlton County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Barnum's water come from?
Barnum's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 621 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Barnum residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Barnum's water.
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.
Barnum'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
Flood & disaster history
Carlton County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Barnum compares by contaminant
Explore where Barnum ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Barnum's water comes from
Barnum'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 621 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Barnum
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnum | MN1090001 | 621 | GW |
How Barnum compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Barnum's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Barnum, MN
Wikipedia →Barnum is a city in Carlton County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 620 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Barnum's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carlton
Frequently asked questions
Is Barnum, MN tap water safe to drink?
Barnum's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #250 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Barnum's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Barnum'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 Barnum?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Barnum's water come from?
Barnum's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 621 residents.
Is Barnum's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Barnum 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 13 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 Barnum's water compare to other cities?
Barnum ranks #250 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 46% of state cities) and #3198 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Barnum's small water system affect quality?
Barnum's system serves approximately 621 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 13 violations on record.