WaterVerge

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 ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MN1070002
Overall Score
82.7 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#388 of 466 in Minnesota Top 43% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
82.7/100
waterverge.com
B+ 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
82.7 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.7/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Eagle Lake, MN water safe to drink?

Use Caution

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).

1
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Eagle Lake

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eagle Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.7/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

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.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 2.00 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

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.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4797
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4442
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4390

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

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
2.00 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

1
Total violations
0
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

1 Total
1 Active
0 Health-based
0 Resolved
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Industrial pollution

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.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
BIG GAIN INC
Food · NA
MANKATO, MN56001
7.7 mi
CROWN CORK & SEAL CO INC
Fabricated Metals · CROWN HOLDINGS INC
MANKATO, MN56001
5.6 mi
HUBBARD FEEDS INC
Food · ALLTECH INC
MANKATO, MN56001
5.8 mi
CHS MANKATO
Food · CHS INC
MANKATO, MN56001
7.4 mi
EI MICROCIRCUITS
Computers and Electronic Products · EI MICROCIRCUITS
MANKATO, MN56001
4.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Jun 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Jun 2024
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4797
Jun 2019
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4442
Sep 2018
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4390
Nov 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4290
Jul 2014
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4182
May 2011
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1982

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Eagle Lake's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 2.00 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.0 ppb from 1997 (0.0 ppb) to 2023 (1.0 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 2.000 mg/L (1994)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,268
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Eagle Lake's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Minnesota River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Eagle Lake

System Name PWSID Population Source
Eagle Lake MN1070002 3,268 GW
Regional Comparison

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.

Eagle Lake (this city)
82.7
St. Paul
73.3
Rochester
69.7
Minnesota avg
82
City Profile

About Eagle Lake, MN

Economic Profile
$87,130
Median Income
$229,994
Median Home Value
$1,363/mo
Median Rent
3.4%
Unemployment
Community
32.2
Median Age
648
People / sq mi
34.3%
College Educated
67.4%
Homeownership
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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.