Is Forest Lake, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.6/100
waterverge.com Forest Lake, MN — Water Quality Report
Forest Lake's drinking water received a grade of A (91.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 12,040 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.
The system has 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Forest Lake's water
Forest Lake ranks #154 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Forest 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Forest Lake, MN water safe to drink?
Forest Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 12,040 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Forest Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Forest Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1982). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Forest Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Forest Lake's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 9 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 Forest Lake's water come from?
Forest Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 12,040 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Forest Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Forest Lake's water.
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.
Forest 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 ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Forest Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Forest Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CEMSTONE - COLUMBUS FOREST LAKE, MN55025 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
KNIFE RIVER CORP N CENTRAL FOREST LAKE FOREST LAKE, MN55025 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
FORTERRA PIPE & PRECAST - STACY STACY, MN55079 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
SUNRISE FIBERGLASS OF MINNESOTA LLC WYOMING, MN55092 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
ROSENBAUER MOTORS LLC WYOMING, MN55092 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Washington County has experienced 9 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 |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Forest Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Forest Lake ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Forest Lake's water comes from
Forest 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 12,040 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Forest Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Lake | MN1820005 | 11,800 | GW |
| Liberty Ponds Development | MN1130024 | 240 | GW |
How Forest Lake compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Forest Lake's score of 91.6/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Forest Lake, MN
Wikipedia →Forest Lake is a city in Washington County, Minnesota, United States, located 27 miles northeast of Saint Paul, and 29 miles northeast of Minneapolis. The population was 20,611 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Forest Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Forest Lake, MN tap water safe to drink?
Forest Lake's water quality earned a grade of A (91.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #154 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Forest Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 6 violations are on record.
How is Forest 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 Forest Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Forest Lake's water come from?
Forest Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 12,040 residents.
Is Forest Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Forest 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 6 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 Forest Lake's water compare to other cities?
Forest Lake ranks #154 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 67% of state cities) and #1565 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.