Is Buhl, 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 ↓
88.1/100
waterverge.com Buhl, MN — Water Quality Report
Buhl's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 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 6 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Buhl's water
Buhl ranks #276 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Buhl 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, Buhl may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Buhl, MN water safe to drink?
Buhl's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Buhl
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buhl's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Buhl's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Buhl's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Buhl's water come from?
Buhl's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Buhl residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Buhl'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.
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 Buhl
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Buhl, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MN TWIST DRILL AQUISITION LLC CHISHOLM, MN55719 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
L&M RADIATOR INC HIBBING, MN55746 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
NORTHERN FOUNDRY HIBBING, MN55746 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
IRATHANE SYSTEMS-MINNESOTA LLC HIBBING, MN55746 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
AUSTIN POWDER MINING LLC HIBBING, MN55746 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Buhl compares by contaminant
Explore where Buhl ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Buhl's water comes from
Buhl'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 1,000 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Buhl
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buhl | MN1690006 | 1,000 | GW |
How Buhl compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Buhl's score of 88.1/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Buhl, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Buhl's water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Buhl, MN tap water safe to drink?
Buhl's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #276 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Buhl's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Buhl'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 Buhl?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Buhl's water come from?
Buhl's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 residents.
What health violations has Buhl's water system had?
Buhl has 2 health-based violations 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Buhl's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Buhl 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 6 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 Buhl's water compare to other cities?
Buhl ranks #276 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 41% of state cities) and #3654 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Buhl's small water system affect quality?
Buhl's system serves approximately 1,000 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 6 violations on record.