Is Glenville, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
69.7/100
waterverge.com Glenville, MN — Water Quality Report
Glenville's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 566 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 23 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glenville's water
Glenville ranks #442 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Glenville 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, Glenville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glenville, MN water safe to drink?
Glenville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 566 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Glenville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glenville's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Glenville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Glenville's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Freeborn 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 Glenville's water come from?
Glenville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 566 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Glenville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glenville'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.
Glenville'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 Glenville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Glenville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AGRA RESOURCES LLC (DBA POET GLENVILLE) ALBERT LEA, MN56007 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
ALBERT LEA ELECTROPLATING ALBERT LEA, MN56007 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
LOU-RICH INC ALBERT LEA, MN56007 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
REG ALBERT LEA LLC ALBERT LEA, MN56007 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
PRO MANUFACTURING INC ALBERT LEA, MN56007 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Freeborn 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Glenville'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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 2.61 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Glenville compares by contaminant
Explore where Glenville ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glenville's water comes from
Glenville'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 566 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Glenville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glenville | MN1240010 | 566 | GW |
How Glenville compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Glenville's score of 69.7/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Glenville, MN
Wikipedia →Glenville is a city in Freeborn County, Minnesota, United States, near Albert Lea. It is along the Shell Rock River. As of the 2020 census, Glenville had a population of 568.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glenville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Freeborn
Frequently asked questions
Is Glenville, MN tap water safe to drink?
Glenville's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #442 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Glenville's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Glenville'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 Glenville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glenville's water come from?
Glenville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 566 residents.
What health violations has Glenville's water system had?
Glenville has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Glenville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Glenville 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 23 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 Glenville's water compare to other cities?
Glenville ranks #442 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 5% of state cities) and #10880 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Glenville's small water system affect quality?
Glenville's system serves approximately 566 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 23 violations on record.