Is Good Thunder, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.3/100
waterverge.com Good Thunder, MN — Water Quality Report
Good Thunder's drinking water received a grade of A (92.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 583 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 6 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Good Thunder's water
Good Thunder ranks #143 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Good Thunder 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, Good Thunder may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Good Thunder, MN water safe to drink?
Good Thunder's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 583 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Good Thunder
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Good Thunder's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Good Thunder's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Good Thunder's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Blue Earth County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Watonwan River, Blue Earth River, Le Sueur River.
Where does Good Thunder's water come from?
Good Thunder's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 583 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Watonwan River (river), Blue Earth River (river), Le Sueur River (river).
What Good Thunder 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.
Good Thunder'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
Flood & disaster history
Blue Earth County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Good Thunder compares by contaminant
Explore where Good Thunder ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Good Thunder's water comes from
Good Thunder'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 583 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Good Thunder
Good Thunder is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Good Thunder
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Thunder | MN1070005 | 583 | GW |
How Good Thunder compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Good Thunder's score of 92.3/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Good Thunder, MN
Wikipedia →Good Thunder is a city in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, United States, situated along the Maple River. The population was 560 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Good Thunder's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Blue Earth
Frequently asked questions
Is Good Thunder, MN tap water safe to drink?
Good Thunder's water quality earned a grade of A (92.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #143 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Good Thunder's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Good Thunder'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 Good Thunder?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Good Thunder's water come from?
Good Thunder's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 583 residents.
What health violations has Good Thunder's water system had?
Good Thunder has 3 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. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Good Thunder's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Good Thunder 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 Good Thunder's water compare to other cities?
Good Thunder ranks #143 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 69% of state cities) and #1305 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Good Thunder's small water system affect quality?
Good Thunder's system serves approximately 583 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 6 violations on record.