Is Hawley, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.3/100
waterverge.com Hawley, MN — Water Quality Report
Hawley's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,592 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 19 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hawley's water
Hawley ranks #327 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hawley 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, Hawley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hawley, MN water safe to drink?
Hawley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,592 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hawley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hawley's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hawley'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
Hawley's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Clay County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Buffalo River.
Where does Hawley's water come from?
Hawley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,592 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Buffalo River (river).
What Hawley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hawley'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.
Hawley'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 Hawley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hawley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FORTERRA CONCRETE PRODUCTS - HAWLEY HAWLEY, MN56549 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Clay County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hawley'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.72 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.720 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Hawley compares by contaminant
Explore where Hawley ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hawley's water comes from
Hawley'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 2,592 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Hawley
Hawley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hawley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawley | MN1140006 | 2,267 | GW |
| Spring Prairie Colony | MN1140020 | 200 | GW |
| John Bouton Housing Development | MN1140016 | 125 | GW |
How Hawley compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Hawley's score of 86.3/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Hawley, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hawley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clay
Frequently asked questions
Is Hawley, MN tap water safe to drink?
Hawley's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #327 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Hawley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Hawley'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 Hawley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hawley's water come from?
Hawley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,592 residents.
What health violations has Hawley's water system had?
Hawley has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hawley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hawley 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 19 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 Hawley's water compare to other cities?
Hawley ranks #327 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 30% of state cities) and #4770 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.