Is Howard Lake, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
76.5/100
waterverge.com Howard Lake, MN — Water Quality Report
Howard Lake's drinking water received a grade of B (76.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,180 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 15.0 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 9 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Howard Lake's water
Howard Lake ranks #427 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Howard 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.
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.
As a small community water system, Howard Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Howard Lake, MN water safe to drink?
Howard Lake's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (76.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,180 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Howard Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Howard Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4182). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1982). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Howard Lake'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Howard Lake's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wright County has experienced 9 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 Howard Lake's water come from?
Howard Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,180 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Howard 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Howard 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 Howard Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Howard Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DURA SUPREME HOWARD LAKE, MN55349 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
AWI MANUFACTURING INC WINSTED, MN55395 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
AZZ GALVANIZING SERVICES-WINSTED WINSTED, MN55395 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wright County has experienced 9 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 Howard Lake'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. | 15.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
| 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. | 1.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Howard Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Howard Lake ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Howard Lake's water comes from
Howard 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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,180 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Howard Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howard Lake | MN1860010 | 2,180 | GW |
How Howard Lake compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Howard Lake's score of 76.5/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Howard Lake, MN
Wikipedia →Howard Lake is a city in Wright County, Minnesota, United States. It hosts the annual Wright County fair. The population was 2,071 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Howard Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wright
Frequently asked questions
Is Howard Lake, MN tap water safe to drink?
Howard Lake's water quality earned a grade of B (76.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #427 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Howard Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 15.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Howard 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 Howard Lake?
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 Howard Lake's water come from?
Howard Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,180 residents.
What health violations has Howard Lake's water system had?
Howard Lake has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Howard Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Howard 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 9 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 Howard Lake's water compare to other cities?
Howard Lake ranks #427 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 8% of state cities) and #9282 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Howard Lake's small water system affect quality?
Howard Lake's system serves approximately 2,180 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 9 violations on record.