Is Buffalo Lake, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
84/100
waterverge.com Buffalo Lake, MN — Water Quality Report
Buffalo Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 703 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 10 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Buffalo Lake's water
Buffalo Lake ranks #376 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Buffalo 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, Buffalo Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Buffalo Lake, MN water safe to drink?
Buffalo Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 703 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Buffalo Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buffalo Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Buffalo Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Buffalo Lake's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Renville County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2001. 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 Buffalo Lake's water come from?
Buffalo Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 703 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Buffalo Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Buffalo Lake'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.
Buffalo 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
Renville County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2001. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Buffalo Lake'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.94 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Buffalo Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Buffalo Lake ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Buffalo Lake's water comes from
Buffalo 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 703 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Buffalo Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Lake | MN1650003 | 703 | GW |
How Buffalo Lake compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Buffalo Lake's score of 84/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Buffalo Lake, MN
Wikipedia →Buffalo Lake is a city in Renville County, Minnesota, United States. As of the 2020 census, Buffalo Lake had a population of 660.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Buffalo Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Renville
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo Lake, MN tap water safe to drink?
Buffalo Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #376 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Buffalo Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Buffalo 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 Buffalo Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Buffalo Lake's water come from?
Buffalo Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 703 residents.
What health violations has Buffalo Lake's water system had?
Buffalo Lake has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Buffalo Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Buffalo 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 10 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 Buffalo Lake's water compare to other cities?
Buffalo Lake ranks #376 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 19% of state cities) and #6165 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Buffalo Lake's small water system affect quality?
Buffalo Lake's system serves approximately 703 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 10 violations on record.