Is Clear Lake, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.6/100
waterverge.com Clear Lake, MN — Water Quality Report
Clear Lake's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 669 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 14 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clear Lake's water
Clear Lake ranks #350 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Clear 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, Clear Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clear Lake, MN water safe to drink?
Clear Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 669 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clear Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clear Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine, Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1175). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clear Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clear Lake's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sherburne 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 Mississippi River.
Where does Clear Lake's water come from?
Clear Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 669 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River (river).
What Clear Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clear 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.
Clear 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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Clear Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clear Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LIBERTY PAPER INC BECKER, MN55308 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
XCEL ENERGY SHERBURNE COUNTY GENERATING PLANT BECKER, MN55308 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
NEW FLYER OF AMERICA SAINT CLOUD, MN56301 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
CARFAIR COMPOSITES USA INC - ST. CLOUD SAINT CLOUD, MN56301 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
KNIFE RIVER ST. CLOUD READY MIX SAINT CLOUD, MN56304 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sherburne 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.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clear Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Clear Lake ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clear Lake's water comes from
Clear 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 669 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clear Lake
Clear Lake is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clear Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake | MN1710009 | 669 | GW |
How Clear Lake compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Clear Lake's score of 85.6/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Clear Lake, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clear Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sherburne
Frequently asked questions
Is Clear Lake, MN tap water safe to drink?
Clear Lake's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #350 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Clear Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Clear 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 Clear Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clear Lake's water come from?
Clear Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 669 residents.
What health violations has Clear Lake's water system had?
Clear Lake has 1 health-based violation 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clear Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clear 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 14 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 Clear Lake's water compare to other cities?
Clear Lake ranks #350 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 25% of state cities) and #5240 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clear Lake's small water system affect quality?
Clear Lake's system serves approximately 669 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 14 violations on record.