Is Courtland, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Courtland ranks. What to do next ↓
91.4/100
waterverge.com Courtland, MN — Water Quality Report
Courtland's drinking water received a grade of A (91.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 635 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 9.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 3 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Courtland's water
Courtland ranks #169 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Courtland 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Courtland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Courtland, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Courtland's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (91.4/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 635 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Courtland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Courtland's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Courtland's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Courtland's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Nicollet County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Minnesota River, Cottonwood River, Little Cottonwood River.
Where does Courtland's water come from?
Courtland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 635 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Minnesota River (river), Cottonwood River (river), Little Cottonwood River (river).
What Courtland 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Courtland'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 Courtland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Courtland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NORTH AMERICAN PIPE & PRECAST COURTLAND, MN56021 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
KRAFT HEINZ CO-NEW ULM FACILITY NEW ULM, MN56073 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
3M CO - NEW ULM NEW ULM, MN56073 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
ASSOCIATED MILK PRODUCERS INC. NEW ULM, MN56073 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
PARKER HANNIFIN CORP - NEW ULM NEW ULM, MN56073 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Nicollet County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Courtland'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. | 9.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Courtland compares by contaminant
Explore where Courtland ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Courtland's water comes from
Courtland'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 635 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Courtland
Courtland is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Courtland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courtland | MN1520001 | 635 | GW |
How Courtland compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Courtland's score of 91.4/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Courtland, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Courtland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nicollet
Frequently asked questions
Is Courtland, MN tap water safe to drink?
Courtland's water quality earned a grade of A (91.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #169 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Courtland's water?
Lead was measured at 9.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Courtland'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 Courtland?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Courtland's water come from?
Courtland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 635 residents.
What health violations has Courtland's water system had?
Courtland has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Courtland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Courtland 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 3 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 Courtland's water compare to other cities?
Courtland ranks #169 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 64% of state cities) and #1735 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Courtland's small water system affect quality?
Courtland's system serves approximately 635 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 3 violations on record.