Is Kandiyohi, 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 ↓
82.7/100
waterverge.com Kandiyohi, MN — Water Quality Report
Kandiyohi's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 560 residents using groundwater.
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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Kandiyohi's water
Kandiyohi ranks #391 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Kandiyohi 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, Kandiyohi may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kandiyohi, MN water safe to drink?
Kandiyohi's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 560 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kandiyohi
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kandiyohi's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.7/100).
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 Kandiyohi'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
Kandiyohi's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Kandiyohi 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.
Where does Kandiyohi's water come from?
Kandiyohi's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 560 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Kandiyohi 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.
Kandiyohi'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 Kandiyohi
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kandiyohi, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JENNIE-O TURKEY STORE WILLMAR WILLMAR, MN56201 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
PURINA ANIMAL NUTRITION LLC - WILLMAR WILLMAR, MN56201 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
JENNIE O TURKEY STORE ATWATER FEEDMILL ATWATER, MN56209 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
BUSHMILLS ETHANOL INC ATWATER, MN56209 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
FARM SERVICE ELEVATOR WILLMAR, MN56201 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Kandiyohi 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Kandiyohi'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. | 2.0 | 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. | 1.49 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kandiyohi compares by contaminant
Explore where Kandiyohi ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kandiyohi's water comes from
Kandiyohi'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 560 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Kandiyohi
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kandiyohi | MN1340003 | 560 | GW |
How Kandiyohi compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Kandiyohi's score of 82.7/100 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 Kandiyohi, MN
Wikipedia →Kandiyohi is a city in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 569 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kandiyohi's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kandiyohi
Frequently asked questions
Is Kandiyohi, MN tap water safe to drink?
Kandiyohi's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #391 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Kandiyohi's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Kandiyohi'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 Kandiyohi?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kandiyohi's water come from?
Kandiyohi's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 560 residents.
Is Kandiyohi's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kandiyohi 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 1 violation 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 Kandiyohi's water compare to other cities?
Kandiyohi ranks #391 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 16% of state cities) and #6844 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kandiyohi's small water system affect quality?
Kandiyohi's system serves approximately 560 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 1 violation on record.