Is Ham Lake, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.6/100
waterverge.com Ham Lake, MN — Water Quality Report
Ham Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,336 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 36 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ham Lake's water
Ham Lake ranks #413 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Ham Lake 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, Ham Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 27 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ham Lake, MN water safe to drink?
Ham Lake's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (80.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,336 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ham Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ham Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: BHC-GAMMA, Methoxychlor, Chlordane.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1370). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ham Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ham Lake's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 27 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Anoka County has experienced 5 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 Mississippi River, Rum River, Coon Creek, Sand Creek, Gp-01 Tcaap Site Gravel Pit.
Where does Ham Lake's water come from?
Ham Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,336 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River (river), Rum River (river), Coon Creek (river), Sand Creek (river), Gp-01 Tcaap Site Gravel Pit (lake).
What Ham Lake 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.
Ham Lake'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 Ham Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ham Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CEMSTONE - COLUMBUS FOREST LAKE, MN55025 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
KNIFE RIVER CORP N CENTRAL FOREST LAKE FOREST LAKE, MN55025 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
FEDERAL CARTRIDGE CO ANOKA, MN55303 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
NVENT HOFFMAN ANOKA, MN55303 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
ALUMIPLATE INC COON RAPIDS, MN55433 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Ham Lake
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- SOUTH ANDOVER SITE6.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Anoka County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ham Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Ham Lake ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ham Lake's water comes from
Ham Lake'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,336 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Ham Lake
Ham Lake is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ham Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Terrace Mobile Home Park | MN1020002 | 804 | GW |
| Territory Community | MN1700026 | 320 | GW |
| Goodhue County Coop Electric | MN1250022 | 143 | GW |
| Willows of Ham Lake | MN1020037 | 69 | GW |
How Ham Lake compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Ham Lake's score of 80.6/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Ham Lake, MN
Wikipedia →Ham Lake is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. It is a suburb in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. The population was 16,464 at the 2020 census. It is in the Anoka-Hennepin School District, one of Minnesota's largest school districts.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ham Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Anoka
Frequently asked questions
Is Ham Lake, MN tap water safe to drink?
Ham Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #413 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Ham Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Ham Lake'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 Ham Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ham Lake's water come from?
Ham Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,336 residents.
What health violations has Ham Lake's water system had?
Ham Lake has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ham Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ham Lake 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 36 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 Ham Lake's water compare to other cities?
Ham Lake ranks #413 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 11% of state cities) and #7791 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.