WaterVerge

Is Cohasset, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Cohasset ranks. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MN1310035
Overall Score
96.9 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#21 of 466 in Minnesota Top 1% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
96.9/100
waterverge.com
A+ 96.9/100

Cohasset, MN — Water Quality Report

Cohasset's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.9 out of 100), indicating excellent 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

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

What to know about Cohasset's water

Cohasset ranks #21 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Cohasset 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, Cohasset may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
96.9 out of 100 Grade A+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Cohasset, MN water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Cohasset's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 residents using groundwater (wells).

None
Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Cohasset

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cohasset's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.9/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4390). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

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

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

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Cohasset's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Apr 2012 Chlorine Resolved
Jul 1993 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Itasca County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4797
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4390
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3242

Where does Cohasset's water come from?

Cohasset'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. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River (river).

What Cohasset residents can do

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

Cohasset'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
Compliance Record

Violation summary

2
Total violations
0
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Apr 2012
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

2 Total
0 Active
0 Health-based
2 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Total Coliform Rule
1
Apr 2012 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2012
Jul 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Cohasset

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 5,314 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
BOSWELL ENERGY CENTER
Electric Utilities · ALLETE INC
COHASSET, MN55721
Manganese compounds5,3141.9 mi
BLANDIN PAPER CO
Paper · UPM-KYMMENE
GRAND RAPIDS, MN55744
6.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Itasca County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

14.2%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Jun 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Itasca County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jun 2024
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4797
Sep 2018
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4390
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3242
Apr 1979
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #582
Aug 1972
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #350
Mar 1966
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #215

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,000
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Cohasset's water comes from

Groundwater

Cohasset'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.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Cohasset

Cohasset is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Mississippi River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Cohasset

System Name PWSID Population Source
Cohasset Municipal Water System MN1310035 1,000 GW
Regional Comparison

How Cohasset compares

Full Minnesota rankings →

Cohasset's score of 96.9/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Cohasset (this city)
96.9
St. Paul
73.3
Rochester
69.7
Minnesota avg
82
City Profile

About Cohasset, MN

Economic Profile
$76,989
Median Income
$282,882
Median Home Value
$912/mo
Median Rent
10.2%
Unemployment
Community
41.8
Median Age
39
People / sq mi
30.9%
College Educated
92.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Cohasset, MN tap water safe to drink?

Cohasset's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #21 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.

What contaminants are in Cohasset's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.

How is Cohasset'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 Cohasset?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Cohasset's water come from?

Cohasset's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 residents.

Is Cohasset's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Cohasset 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 2 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 Cohasset's water compare to other cities?

Cohasset ranks #21 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 95% of state cities) and #129 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Cohasset's small water system affect quality?

Cohasset'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 2 violations on record.