Is Dayton, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Dayton ranks. What to do next ↓
94.9/100
waterverge.com Dayton, MN — Water Quality Report
Dayton's drinking water received a grade of A (94.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,930 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Dayton's water
Dayton ranks #52 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Dayton 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dayton, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Dayton's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,930 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dayton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dayton's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4290). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4182). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dayton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dayton's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hennepin County has experienced 8 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, Rum River, Elm Creek Nr Champlin.
Where does Dayton's water come from?
Dayton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 4,930 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), Rum River (river), Elm Creek Nr Champlin (river).
What Dayton 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.
Dayton'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 Dayton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dayton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BALLANTINE - DIV OF U.S. TSUBAKI ANOKA, MN55303 | — | — | 3.6 mi |
FEDERAL CARTRIDGE CO ANOKA, MN55303 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
GRACO INC-ANOKA ANOKA, MN55303 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
NVENT HOFFMAN ANOKA, MN55303 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
NVENT HOFFMAN ANOKA, MN55303 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Dayton
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- SOUTH ANDOVER SITE7.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Hennepin County has experienced 8 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dayton compares by contaminant
Explore where Dayton ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dayton's water comes from
Dayton'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 4,930 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dayton
Dayton is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dayton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton | MN1270073 | 4,930 | GW |
How Dayton compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Dayton's score of 94.9/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Dayton, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dayton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hennepin
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton, MN tap water safe to drink?
Dayton's water quality earned a grade of A (94.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #52 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Dayton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Dayton'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 Dayton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dayton's water come from?
Dayton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 4,930 residents.
Is Dayton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dayton 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 4 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 Dayton's water compare to other cities?
Dayton ranks #52 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 89% of state cities) and #399 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.