Is Heron Lake, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.1/100
waterverge.com Heron Lake, MN — Water Quality Report
Heron Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 691 residents using purchased ground water.
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 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Heron Lake's water
Heron Lake ranks #381 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Heron Lake purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Heron Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Heron Lake, MN water safe to drink?
Heron Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 691 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Heron Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Heron Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Heron Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Heron Lake's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 8 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 Heron Lake's water come from?
Heron Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 691 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Heron Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Heron Lake'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.
Heron 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 Heron Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Heron Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MINNESOTA SOYBEAN PROCESSORS BREWSTER, MN56119 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
HERON LAKE BIOENERGY LLC HERON LAKE, MN56137 | — | — | 1.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Jackson County has experienced 8 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Heron Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Heron Lake ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Heron Lake's water comes from
Heron Lake purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Heron Lake's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 691 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Heron Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heron Lake | MN1320002 | 691 | GWP |
How Heron Lake compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Heron Lake's score of 83.1/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Heron Lake, MN
Wikipedia →Heron Lake is a city in Jackson County, Minnesota, United States. As of the 2020 census, Heron Lake had a population of 602.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Heron Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Heron Lake, MN tap water safe to drink?
Heron Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #381 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Heron Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Heron 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 Heron Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Heron Lake's water come from?
Heron Lake's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 691 residents.
What health violations has Heron Lake's water system had?
Heron Lake has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Heron Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Heron 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 5 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 Heron Lake's water compare to other cities?
Heron Lake ranks #381 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 18% of state cities) and #6609 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Heron Lake's small water system affect quality?
Heron Lake's system serves approximately 691 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 5 violations on record.