Is Granite Falls, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72/100
waterverge.com Granite Falls, MN — Water Quality Report
Granite Falls's drinking water received a grade of B- (72 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,743 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 63 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Granite Falls's water
Granite Falls ranks #439 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Granite Falls 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Granite Falls, MN water safe to drink?
Granite Falls's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,743 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Granite Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Granite Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Arsenic, Barium.
Contaminants: Endrin, BHC-GAMMA, Toxaphene.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4182). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Granite Falls's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Granite Falls's water system has 63 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Yellow Medicine County has experienced 10 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. Local water sources include Minnesota River, Yellow Medicine River.
Where does Granite Falls's water come from?
Granite Falls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,743 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Minnesota River (river), Yellow Medicine River (river).
What Granite Falls residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Granite Falls'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.
Granite Falls'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 Granite Falls
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Granite Falls, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRANITE FALLS ENERGY LLC GRANITE FALLS, MN56241 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtYellow Medicine 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
Yellow Medicine County has experienced 10 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 Granite Falls'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. | 10.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Granite Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Granite Falls ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Granite Falls's water comes from
Granite Falls'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 4,743 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Granite Falls
Granite Falls is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Granite Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite Falls | MN1870004 | 2,843 | GW |
| UPPER SIOUX COMMUNITY | 055294902 | 1,900 | GW |
How Granite Falls compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Granite Falls's score of 72/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →ZIP codes served by Granite Falls
The water systems serving Granite Falls cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Granite Falls, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Granite Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yellow Medicine
Frequently asked questions
Is Granite Falls, MN tap water safe to drink?
Granite Falls's water quality earned a grade of B- (72/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #439 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Granite Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile). 63 violations are on record.
How is Granite Falls'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 Granite Falls?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Granite Falls's water come from?
Granite Falls's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,743 residents.
Is Granite Falls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Granite Falls 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 63 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 Granite Falls's water compare to other cities?
Granite Falls ranks #439 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 6% of state cities) and #10454 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.