Is Eagle Lake, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.7/100
Eagle Lake, MN — Water Quality Report
Eagle Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,268 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Eagle Lake's water
Eagle Lake ranks #388 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Eagle Lake 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, Eagle Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Eagle Lake, MN water safe to drink?
Eagle Lake's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,268 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Eagle Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eagle Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Eagle Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Eagle Lake's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Blue Earth 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.
Where does Eagle Lake's water come from?
Eagle Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,268 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).
What Eagle Lake 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.
Eagle Lake'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 Eagle Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Eagle Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BIG GAIN INC MANKATO, MN56001 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
CROWN CORK & SEAL CO INC MANKATO, MN56001 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
HUBBARD FEEDS INC MANKATO, MN56001 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
CHS MANKATO MANKATO, MN56001 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
EI MICROCIRCUITS MANKATO, MN56001 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Eagle Lake
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.
- LEHILLIER MANKATO7.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Blue Earth 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 Eagle Lake'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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.000 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Eagle Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Eagle Lake ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Eagle Lake's water comes from
Eagle Lake'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 3,268 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Eagle Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Lake | MN1070002 | 3,268 | GW |
How Eagle Lake compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Eagle Lake's score of 82.7/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Eagle Lake, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Eagle Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Blue Earth
Frequently asked questions
Is Eagle Lake, MN tap water safe to drink?
Eagle Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #388 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Eagle Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Eagle Lake'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 Eagle Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Eagle Lake's water come from?
Eagle Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,268 residents.
Is Eagle Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Eagle Lake 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 1 violation 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 Eagle Lake's water compare to other cities?
Eagle Lake ranks #388 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 17% of state cities) and #6814 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Eagle Lake's small water system affect quality?
Eagle Lake's system serves approximately 3,268 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 1 violation on record.