Is Lafayette, 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 ↓
80.4/100
waterverge.com Lafayette, MN — Water Quality Report
Lafayette's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 504 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 5 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Lafayette's water
Lafayette ranks #420 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lafayette 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, Lafayette may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lafayette, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Lafayette's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of B+ (80.4/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 504 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lafayette
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lafayette's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lafayette'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
Lafayette's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Nicollet County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Minnesota River.
Where does Lafayette's water come from?
Lafayette's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 504 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Minnesota River (river).
What Lafayette 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.
Lafayette'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 Lafayette
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lafayette, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SENECA FOODS GLENCOE, MN55336 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
HEARTLAND CORN PRODUCTS WINTHROP, MN55396 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA INC WINTHROP, MN55396 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
3M CO - NEW ULM NEW ULM, MN56073 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
ASSOCIATED MILK PRODUCERS INC. NEW ULM, MN56073 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Nicollet County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lafayette'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. | 1.67 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lafayette compares by contaminant
Explore where Lafayette ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lafayette's water comes from
Lafayette'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 504 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lafayette
Lafayette is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lafayette
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette | MN1520002 | 504 | GW |
How Lafayette compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Lafayette's score of 80.4/100 is on par with 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 Lafayette, MN
Wikipedia →Lafayette is a city in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 492 at the 2020 census. It is a farming community just outside the larger town of New Ulm.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lafayette's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nicollet
Frequently asked questions
Is Lafayette, MN tap water safe to drink?
Lafayette's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #420 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Lafayette's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Lafayette'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 Lafayette?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lafayette's water come from?
Lafayette's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 504 residents.
What health violations has Lafayette's water system had?
Lafayette has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Lafayette's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lafayette 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 Lafayette's water compare to other cities?
Lafayette ranks #420 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 10% of state cities) and #7896 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lafayette's small water system affect quality?
Lafayette's system serves approximately 504 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.