Is Cottonwood, 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 ↓
93.8/100
waterverge.com Cottonwood, MN — Water Quality Report
Cottonwood's drinking water received a grade of A (93.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,212 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Cottonwood's water
Cottonwood ranks #91 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Cottonwood 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, Cottonwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cottonwood, MN water safe to drink?
Cottonwood's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,212 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cottonwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cottonwood's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4390). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cottonwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cottonwood's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lyon County has experienced 8 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. Local water sources include Yellow Medicine River.
Where does Cottonwood's water come from?
Cottonwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,212 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yellow Medicine River (river).
What Cottonwood 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.
Cottonwood'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 Cottonwood
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cottonwood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LEGEND CABINETRY COTTONWOOD, MN56229 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtLyon 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Lyon County has experienced 8 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cottonwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Cottonwood ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cottonwood's water comes from
Cottonwood'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 1,212 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cottonwood
Cottonwood is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cottonwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood | MN1420002 | 1,212 | GW |
How Cottonwood compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Cottonwood's score of 93.8/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Cottonwood, MN
Wikipedia →Cottonwood is a city in Lyon County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,149 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cottonwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lyon
Frequently asked questions
Is Cottonwood, MN tap water safe to drink?
Cottonwood's water quality earned a grade of A (93.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #91 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Cottonwood's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Cottonwood'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 Cottonwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cottonwood's water come from?
Cottonwood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,212 residents.
Is Cottonwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cottonwood 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 9 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 Cottonwood's water compare to other cities?
Cottonwood ranks #91 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 80% of state cities) and #727 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cottonwood's small water system affect quality?
Cottonwood's system serves approximately 1,212 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 9 violations on record.