Is Excelsior, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.7/100
waterverge.com Excelsior, MN — Water Quality Report
Excelsior's drinking water received a grade of A (93.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 4,800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 11 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Excelsior's water
Excelsior ranks #93 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Excelsior 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 Excelsior, MN water safe to drink?
Excelsior's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 4,800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Excelsior
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Excelsior's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4290). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4182). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Excelsior's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Excelsior's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
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 Lake Minnetonka, Minnehaha Creek.
Where does Excelsior's water come from?
Excelsior's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 4,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lake Minnetonka (lake), Minnehaha Creek (river).
What Excelsior 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.
Excelsior'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 Excelsior
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Excelsior, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROBERTS AUTOMATIC PRODUCTS CHANHASSEN, MN55317 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
EMERSON AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS ROSEMOUNT INC CHANHASSEN, MN55317 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
PROTECH INTERCONNECT SOLUTIONS LLC CHASKA, MN55318 | — | — | 3.6 mi |
LIFECORE BIOMEDICAL LLC CHASKA, MN55318 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
MCLAUGHLIN GORMLEY KING CHASKA, MN55318 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Excelsior
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.
- SPRING PARK MUNICIPAL WELL FIELD4.0 mi
- REILLY TAR CHEMICAL CORP ST LOUIS PARK PLANT9.9 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Excelsior compares by contaminant
Explore where Excelsior ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Excelsior's water comes from
Excelsior'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 4,800 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Excelsior
Excelsior is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Excelsior
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior | MN1270012 | 2,483 | GW |
| Tonka Bay | MN1270013 | 1,442 | GW |
| Sun Valley Mobile Home Park | MN1270025 | 500 | GW |
| Wyoming Park LLC | MN1020030 | 225 | GW |
| Blue Waters Leisure Park | MN1130010 | 150 | GW |
How Excelsior compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Excelsior's score of 93.7/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Excelsior, MN
Wikipedia →Excelsior is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States. A western suburb of the Twin Cities, Excelsior is about 16 miles (26 km) southwest of downtown Minneapolis. Its population was 2,355 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Excelsior's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hennepin
Frequently asked questions
Is Excelsior, MN tap water safe to drink?
Excelsior's water quality earned a grade of A (93.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #93 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Excelsior's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Excelsior'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 Excelsior?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Excelsior's water come from?
Excelsior's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 4,800 residents.
What health violations has Excelsior's water system had?
Excelsior has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Excelsior's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Excelsior 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 11 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 Excelsior's water compare to other cities?
Excelsior ranks #93 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 80% of state cities) and #746 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.