Is Clara City, 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 ↓
94.1/100
waterverge.com Clara City, MN — Water Quality Report
Clara City's drinking water received a grade of A (94.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,360 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 7 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Clara City's water
Clara City ranks #74 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Clara City 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, Clara City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clara City, MN water safe to drink?
Clara City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,360 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clara City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clara City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrite.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrite.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrite.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clara City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clara City's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Chippewa County has experienced 10 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 Clara City's water come from?
Clara City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,360 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Clara City 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.
Clara City'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 Clara City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clara City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRANITE FALLS ENERGY LLC GRANITE FALLS, MN56241 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Chippewa County has experienced 10 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Clara City compares by contaminant
Explore where Clara City ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clara City's water comes from
Clara City'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 1,360 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Clara City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clara City | MN1120001 | 1,360 | GW |
How Clara City compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Clara City's score of 94.1/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Clara City, MN
Wikipedia →Clara City is a city in Chippewa County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,423 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clara City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chippewa
Frequently asked questions
Is Clara City, MN tap water safe to drink?
Clara City's water quality earned a grade of A (94.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #74 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Clara City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Clara City'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 Clara City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clara City's water come from?
Clara City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,360 residents.
What health violations has Clara City's water system had?
Clara City has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Clara City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clara City 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 7 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 Clara City's water compare to other cities?
Clara City ranks #74 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 84% of state cities) and #620 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clara City's small water system affect quality?
Clara City's system serves approximately 1,360 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 7 violations on record.