Is East Bethel, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how East Bethel ranks. What to do next ↓
96.7/100
waterverge.com East Bethel, MN — Water Quality Report
East Bethel's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 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 2 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about East Bethel's water
East Bethel ranks #30 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
East Bethel 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, East Bethel may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Bethel, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, East Bethel's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.7/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Bethel
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Bethel's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.7/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1370). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Bethel's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Bethel's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Anoka County has experienced 5 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 Coon Creek, Sand Creek.
Where does East Bethel's water come from?
East Bethel's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Coon Creek (river), Sand Creek (river).
What East Bethel 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.
East Bethel'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 East Bethel
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Bethel, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CEMSTONE - EAST BETHEL EAST BETHEL, MN55005 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Anoka County has experienced 5 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 East Bethel compares by contaminant
Explore where East Bethel ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Bethel's water comes from
East Bethel'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 500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near East Bethel
East Bethel is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving East Bethel
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Bethel | MN1020042 | 500 | GW |
How East Bethel compares
Full Minnesota rankings →East Bethel's score of 96.7/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About East Bethel, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Bethel's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Anoka
Frequently asked questions
Is East Bethel, MN tap water safe to drink?
East Bethel's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #30 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in East Bethel's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is East Bethel'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 East Bethel?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Bethel's water come from?
East Bethel's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.
What health violations has East Bethel's water system had?
East Bethel has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2005. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is East Bethel's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Bethel 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 2 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 East Bethel's water compare to other cities?
East Bethel ranks #30 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 94% of state cities) and #167 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Bethel's small water system affect quality?
East Bethel's system serves approximately 500 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 2 violations on record.