Is Fulda, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
74.4/100
waterverge.com Fulda, MN — Water Quality Report
Fulda's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,318 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 35.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Fulda's water
Fulda ranks #431 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Fulda 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Fulda may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fulda, MN water safe to drink?
Fulda's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (74.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,318 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fulda
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fulda's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fulda's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Fulda's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Murray County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Fulda's water come from?
Fulda's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,318 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fulda residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fulda'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Fulda'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMurray County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Murray County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Fulda's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 35.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.19 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.190 mg/L (2014)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Fulda compares by contaminant
Explore where Fulda ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fulda's water comes from
Fulda'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 1,318 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Fulda
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulda | MN1510005 | 1,318 | GW |
How Fulda compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Fulda's score of 74.4/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Fulda, MN
Wikipedia →Fulda is a city in Murray County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,371 at the 2020 census, up from 1,318 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fulda's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Murray
Frequently asked questions
Is Fulda, MN tap water safe to drink?
Fulda's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #431 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Fulda's water?
Lead was measured at 35.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Fulda'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 Fulda?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fulda's water come from?
Fulda's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,318 residents.
Is Fulda's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fulda 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 7 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 Fulda's water compare to other cities?
Fulda ranks #431 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 8% of state cities) and #9860 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fulda's small water system affect quality?
Fulda's system serves approximately 1,318 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 7 violations on record.