Is Brewster, 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 Brewster, MN — Water Quality Report
Brewster'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 506 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Brewster's water
Brewster ranks #171 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Brewster purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Brewster may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brewster, MN water safe to drink?
Brewster'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 506 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Brewster
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brewster's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brewster's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Brewster's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Nobles 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 Brewster's water come from?
Brewster's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 506 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Brewster 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.
Brewster'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Brewster
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Brewster, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MINNESOTA SOYBEAN PROCESSORS BREWSTER, MN56119 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
INTERVET INC. WORTHINGTON, MN56187 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
JBS USA FOOD CO WORTHINGTON, MN56187 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtNobles 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
Nobles 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.
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Brewster compares by contaminant
Explore where Brewster ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brewster's water comes from
Brewster purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Brewster's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 506 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Brewster
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewster | MN1530003 | 506 | GWP |
How Brewster compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Brewster'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 Brewster, MN
Wikipedia →Brewster is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 506 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brewster's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nobles
Frequently asked questions
Is Brewster, MN tap water safe to drink?
Brewster'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 #171 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Brewster's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Brewster'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 Brewster?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brewster's water come from?
Brewster's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 506 residents.
Is Brewster's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Brewster 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 Brewster's water compare to other cities?
Brewster ranks #171 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 63% of state cities) and #1740 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 Brewster's small water system affect quality?
Brewster's system serves approximately 506 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.