WaterVerge

Is Freeport, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

685 residents served 1 water system PWSID: MN1730013
Overall Score
92.9 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#123 of 466 in Minnesota Top 7% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.9/100
waterverge.com
A 92.9/100

Freeport, MN — Water Quality Report

Freeport's drinking water received a grade of A (92.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 685 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 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

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

What to know about Freeport's water

Freeport ranks #123 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Freeport 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, Freeport may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.9 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Freeport, MN water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Freeport's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (92.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 685 residents using groundwater (wells).

None
Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Freeport

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Freeport's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1370). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Freeport's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.41 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

Freeport's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Apr 2008 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 1992 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Stearns County has experienced 6 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.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3242
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA DR-1370
SEVERE FLOODING, HIGH WINDS,SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA DR-1175

Where does Freeport's water come from?

Freeport's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 685 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Freeport 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

Freeport'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.41 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +8% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

2
Total violations
0
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Apr 2008
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

2 Total
0 Active
0 Health-based
2 Resolved
Apr 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2008
Jan 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1992
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Freeport

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Freeport, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
KERRY INC
Food · KERRY INC
ALBANY, MN56307
5.8 mi
WELLS CONCRETE PRODUCTS - ALBANY
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · THE WELLS COS
ALBANY, MN56307
6.6 mi
CARSTENS INDUSTRIES FIBERGLASS MANUFACTURING
Plastics and Rubber · NA
MELROSE, MN56352
7.0 mi
LAND O'LAKES - MELROSE
Food · LAND O LAKES INC
MELROSE, MN56352
5.7 mi
JENNIE-O TURKEY STORE - MELROSE EAST
Food · HORMEL FOODS CORP
MELROSE, MN56352
5.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Stearns County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3242
May 2001
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #1370
Apr 1997
SEVERE FLOODING, HIGH WINDS,SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1175
Apr 1969
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #255
Mar 1966
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #215
Apr 1965
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #188

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Freeport'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) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.41 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 decreased by 28.0 ppb from 1993 (28.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 0.010 mg/L from 2000 (1.400 mg/L) to 2004 (1.410 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
685
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Freeport's water comes from

Groundwater

Freeport'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 685 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Freeport

System Name PWSID Population Source
Freeport MN1730013 685 GW
Regional Comparison

How Freeport compares

Full Minnesota rankings →

Freeport's score of 92.9/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Freeport (this city)
92.9
St. Paul
73.3
Rochester
69.7
Minnesota avg
82
City Profile

About Freeport, MN

Economic Profile
$91,250
Median Income
$200,334
Median Home Value
1.6%
Unemployment
Community
29.9
Median Age
267
People / sq mi
24%
College Educated
87.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Freeport, MN tap water safe to drink?

Freeport's water quality earned a grade of A (92.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #123 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.

What contaminants are in Freeport's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.

How is Freeport'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 Freeport?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Freeport's water come from?

Freeport's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 685 residents.

Is Freeport's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Freeport 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 Freeport's water compare to other cities?

Freeport ranks #123 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 74% of state cities) and #1074 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Freeport's small water system affect quality?

Freeport's system serves approximately 685 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.