WaterVerge

Is Centerville, 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 ↓

4K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MN1020036
Overall Score
87.3 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#298 of 466 in Minnesota Top 26% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87.3/100
waterverge.com
A- 87.3/100

Centerville, MN — Water Quality Report

Centerville's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,962 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.

The system has 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Centerville's water

Centerville ranks #298 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Centerville 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.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87.3 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18/20
A
1 PFAS compound detected.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Centerville, MN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Centerville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,962 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 compound
PFAS Detected
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Centerville

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

PFAS
1 PFAS "forever chemical" compound detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Centerville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.3/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1370). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Centerville's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

PFAS (1 compound) Elevated
Detected: Highest: PFBA at 0.0074 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

Violation history

Centerville's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2014 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Anoka County has experienced 5 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. Local water sources include Rice Creek, Gp-01 Tcaap Site Gravel Pit.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3242
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA DR-1370
SEVERE FLOODING, HIGH WINDS,SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA DR-1175

Where does Centerville's water come from?

Centerville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,962 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rice Creek (river), Gp-01 Tcaap Site Gravel Pit (lake).

What Centerville residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Centerville's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Centerville'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
PFBA
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
0.0074 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
1
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

3
Total violations
0
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Oct 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

3 Total
3 Active
0 Health-based
0 Resolved
Oct 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2014 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Centerville

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Centerville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CEMSTONE - COLUMBUS
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CEMSTONE PRODUCTS CO
FOREST LAKE, MN55025
4.8 mi
KNIFE RIVER CORP N CENTRAL FOREST LAKE
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · KNIFE RIVER CORP
FOREST LAKE, MN55025
7.4 mi
CORTEC CORP
Chemicals · CORTEC CORP
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN55110
7.1 mi
H.B. FULLER PILOT FACILITY
Chemicals · HB FULLER CO
VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MN55110
8.4 mi
INTERPLASTIC CORP
Chemicals · IP CORP
VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MN55110
8.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Centerville

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Anoka County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3242
May 2001
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #1370
Apr 1997
SEVERE FLOODING, HIGH WINDS,SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1175
Apr 1969
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #255
Apr 1965
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #188

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Centerville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
1 PFAS compound detected

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA 0.007 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 2005 (0.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,962
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Centerville's water comes from

Groundwater

Centerville'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 3,962 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Centerville

Centerville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Rice Creek
river
Gp-01 Tcaap Site Gravel Pit
lake
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Centerville

System Name PWSID Population Source
Centerville MN1020036 3,962 GW
Regional Comparison

How Centerville compares

Full Minnesota rankings →

Centerville's score of 87.3/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Centerville (this city)
87.3
St. Paul
73.3
Rochester
69.7
Minnesota avg
82
City Profile

About Centerville, MN

Economic Profile
$117,481
Median Income
$354,283
Median Home Value
$1,616/mo
Median Rent
0.6%
Unemployment
Community
39
Median Age
711
People / sq mi
47.6%
College Educated
92.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Centerville, MN tap water safe to drink?

Centerville's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #298 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.

What contaminants are in Centerville's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 3 violations are on record.

How is Centerville'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 Centerville?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Centerville's water come from?

Centerville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,962 residents.

Is Centerville's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Centerville 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 3 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 Centerville's water compare to other cities?

Centerville ranks #298 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 36% of state cities) and #4128 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.