Is Baudette, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.1/100
waterverge.com Baudette, MN — Water Quality Report
Baudette's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,002 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 24 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Baudette's water
Baudette ranks #303 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Baudette 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, Baudette may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Baudette, MN water safe to drink?
Baudette's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,002 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Baudette
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Baudette's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4659). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Baudette's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Baudette's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lake of the Woods County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Rainy River.
Where does Baudette's water come from?
Baudette's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,002 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rainy River (river).
What Baudette residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Baudette'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.
Baudette'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
Lake of the Woods County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Baudette compares by contaminant
Explore where Baudette ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Baudette's water comes from
Baudette'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 1,002 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Baudette
Baudette is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Baudette
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baudette | MN1390001 | 947 | GW |
| Anchor Bay Park | MN1390002 | 55 | GW |
How Baudette compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Baudette's score of 87.1/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Baudette, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Baudette's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lake Of The Woods
Frequently asked questions
Is Baudette, MN tap water safe to drink?
Baudette's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #303 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Baudette's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Baudette'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 Baudette?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Baudette's water come from?
Baudette's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,002 residents.
What health violations has Baudette's water system had?
Baudette has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Baudette's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Baudette 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 24 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 Baudette's water compare to other cities?
Baudette ranks #303 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 35% of state cities) and #4272 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.