Is Dodge Center, 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 ↓
94.1/100
waterverge.com Dodge Center, MN — Water Quality Report
Dodge Center's drinking water received a grade of A (94.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,939 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 13 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Dodge Center's water
Dodge Center ranks #73 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Dodge Center 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, Dodge Center may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dodge Center, MN water safe to drink?
Dodge Center's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,939 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dodge Center
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dodge Center's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4182). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dodge Center's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dodge Center's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Dodge County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Dodge Center's water come from?
Dodge Center's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,939 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Dodge Center 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.
Dodge Center'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 Dodge Center
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dodge Center, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AL-CORN CLEAN FUEL CLAREMONT, MN55924 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
MCNEILUS TRUCK & MANUFACTURING INC DODGE CENTER, MN55927 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Dodge County has experienced 6 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dodge Center compares by contaminant
Explore where Dodge Center ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dodge Center's water comes from
Dodge Center'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 2,939 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Dodge Center
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Center | MN1200002 | 2,939 | GW |
How Dodge Center compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Dodge Center's score of 94.1/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Dodge Center, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dodge Center's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dodge
Frequently asked questions
Is Dodge Center, MN tap water safe to drink?
Dodge Center's water quality earned a grade of A (94.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #73 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Dodge Center's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Dodge Center'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 Dodge Center?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dodge Center's water come from?
Dodge Center's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,939 residents.
Is Dodge Center's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dodge Center 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 13 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 Dodge Center's water compare to other cities?
Dodge Center ranks #73 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 84% of state cities) and #613 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dodge Center's small water system affect quality?
Dodge Center's system serves approximately 2,939 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 13 violations on record.