WaterVerge

Is Jasper, 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 ↓

623 residents served 1 water system PWSID: MN1590004
Overall Score
85.6 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased ground water
#352 of 466 in Minnesota Top 33% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.6/100
waterverge.com
A- 85.6/100

Jasper, MN — Water Quality Report

Jasper's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 623 residents using purchased ground water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Jasper's water

Jasper ranks #352 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Jasper 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, Jasper may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.6 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Purchased ground water.
Water Safety

Is Jasper, MN water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Jasper's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 623 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Jasper

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jasper's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.6/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jasper's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 2.24 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Jasper's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.

MCL
Most recent violations:
Jun 1978 Nitrate Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Pipestone County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4797
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4442
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4390

Where does Jasper's water come from?

Jasper's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 623 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Jasper residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Jasper'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
2.24 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

2
Total violations
1
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Jun 1978
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

2 Total
1 Active
1 Health-based
1 Resolved
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jun 1978 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 1980
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Pipestone County is currently in D2 (severe 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.

6
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
9.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
6
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Jun 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Pipestone County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jun 2024
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4797
Jun 2019
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4442
Sep 2018
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4390
Jul 2014
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4182
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3242
Apr 1969
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #255

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Jasper's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 2.24 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.0 ppb from 1999 (3.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 0.440 mg/L from 1993 (1.800 mg/L) to 2013 (2.240 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
623
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Jasper's water comes from

Purchased Groundwater

Jasper 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 Jasper'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 623 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Jasper

System Name PWSID Population Source
Jasper MN1590004 623 GWP
Regional Comparison

How Jasper compares

Full Minnesota rankings →

Jasper's score of 85.6/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Jasper (this city)
85.6
St. Paul
73.3
Rochester
69.7
Minnesota avg
82
City Profile

About Jasper, MN

Wikipedia →

Jasper is a city in Pipestone and Rock counties in the State of Minnesota. As of the 2020 census, Jasper had a population of 610. Most of the city lies in Pipestone County, with only a small part of the city extending into Rock County.

Economic Profile
$45,341
Median Income
$64,947
Median Home Value
$694/mo
Median Rent
2.7%
Unemployment
Community
40.5
Median Age
224
People / sq mi
10.6%
College Educated
81.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Jasper, MN tap water safe to drink?

Jasper's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #352 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.

What contaminants are in Jasper's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.

How is Jasper'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 Jasper?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Jasper's water come from?

Jasper's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 623 residents.

What health violations has Jasper's water system had?

Jasper has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 1978. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Jasper's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Jasper 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 2 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 Jasper's water compare to other cities?

Jasper ranks #352 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 24% of state cities) and #5244 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Jasper's small water system affect quality?

Jasper's system serves approximately 623 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 2 violations on record.