Is Clarks Grove, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
93/100
waterverge.com Clarks Grove, MN — Water Quality Report
Clarks Grove's drinking water received a grade of A (93 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 695 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.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Clarks Grove's water
Clarks Grove ranks #115 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Clarks Grove 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, Clarks Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Clarks Grove has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clarks Grove, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Clarks Grove's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (93/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 695 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clarks Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clarks Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93/100).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clarks Grove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Flood & environmental risk
Freeborn County has experienced 9 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.
Where does Clarks Grove's water come from?
Clarks Grove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 695 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Clarks Grove 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.
Clarks Grove'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 ↓Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Clarks Grove
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clarks Grove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALBERT LEA ELECTROPLATING ALBERT LEA, MN56007 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
LOU-RICH INC ALBERT LEA, MN56007 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
PRO MANUFACTURING INC ALBERT LEA, MN56007 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Freeborn County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Clarks Grove'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. | 1.57 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clarks Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Clarks Grove ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clarks Grove's water comes from
Clarks Grove'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 695 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Clarks Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarks Grove | MN1240005 | 695 | GW |
How Clarks Grove compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Clarks Grove's score of 93/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Clarks Grove, MN
Wikipedia →Clarks Grove is a city in Freeborn County, Minnesota, United States. As of the 2020 census, Clarks Grove had a population of 694.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clarks Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Freeborn
Frequently asked questions
Is Clarks Grove, MN tap water safe to drink?
Clarks Grove's water quality earned a grade of A (93/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #115 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Clarks Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Clarks Grove'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 Clarks Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clarks Grove's water come from?
Clarks Grove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 695 residents.
Is Clarks Grove's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clarks Grove uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. Current testing shows the groundwater meets EPA standards. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Clarks Grove's water compare to other cities?
Clarks Grove ranks #115 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 75% of state cities) and #1038 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clarks Grove's small water system affect quality?
Clarks Grove's system serves approximately 695 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 maintained a clean compliance record.