Is Battle Lake, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.4/100
waterverge.com Battle Lake, MN — Water Quality Report
Battle Lake's drinking water received a grade of A (91.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 918 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 4 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Battle Lake's water
Battle Lake ranks #168 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Battle Lake 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, Battle Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Battle Lake, MN water safe to drink?
Battle Lake's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 918 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Battle Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Battle Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1982). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Battle Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Battle Lake's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Otter Tail County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Battle Lake's water come from?
Battle Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 918 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Battle Lake 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.
Battle Lake'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
Otter Tail County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Battle Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Battle Lake ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Battle Lake's water comes from
Battle Lake'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 918 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Battle Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battle Lake | MN1560001 | 918 | GW |
How Battle Lake compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Battle Lake's score of 91.4/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Battle Lake, MN
Wikipedia →Battle Lake is a city in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 857 according to the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Battle Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Otter Tail
Frequently asked questions
Is Battle Lake, MN tap water safe to drink?
Battle Lake's water quality earned a grade of A (91.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #168 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Battle Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Battle Lake'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 Battle Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Battle Lake's water come from?
Battle Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 918 residents.
What health violations has Battle Lake's water system had?
Battle Lake has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Battle Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Battle Lake 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 4 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 Battle Lake's water compare to other cities?
Battle Lake ranks #168 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 64% of state cities) and #1729 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Battle Lake's small water system affect quality?
Battle Lake's system serves approximately 918 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 4 violations on record.