Is Lake Crystal, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94.3/100
waterverge.com Lake Crystal, MN — Water Quality Report
Lake Crystal's drinking water received a grade of A (94.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,554 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 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Lake Crystal's water
Lake Crystal ranks #69 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Lake Crystal 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, Lake Crystal may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Crystal, MN water safe to drink?
Lake Crystal's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,554 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Crystal
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Crystal's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.3/100).
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: Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Crystal's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lake Crystal's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Blue Earth 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 Little Cottonwood River, Watonwan River, Blue Earth River.
Where does Lake Crystal's water come from?
Lake Crystal's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,554 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Cottonwood River (river), Watonwan River (river), Blue Earth River (river).
What Lake Crystal 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.
Lake Crystal'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 Lake Crystal
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake Crystal, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BIG GAIN INC MANKATO, MN56001 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
CHS MANKATO MANKATO, MN56001 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
POET BIOREFINING LAKE CRYSTAL LAKE CRYSTAL, MN56055 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
INDUSTRIAL FABRICATION SERVICES INC. LAKE CRYSTAL, MN56055 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
TBEI - TRUCK BODIES & EQUIPMENT INTERNATIONAL (LAKE CRYSTAL) LAKE CRYSTAL, MN56055 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lake Crystal
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- LEHILLIER MANKATO9.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Blue Earth 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.
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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Lake Crystal compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Crystal ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Crystal's water comes from
Lake Crystal'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 2,554 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lake Crystal
Lake Crystal is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake Crystal
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Crystal | MN1070006 | 2,554 | GW |
How Lake Crystal compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Lake Crystal's score of 94.3/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Lake Crystal, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Crystal's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Blue Earth
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Crystal, MN tap water safe to drink?
Lake Crystal's water quality earned a grade of A (94.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #69 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Lake Crystal's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Lake Crystal'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 Lake Crystal?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Crystal's water come from?
Lake Crystal's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,554 residents.
What health violations has Lake Crystal's water system had?
Lake Crystal has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Lake Crystal's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Crystal 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 Lake Crystal's water compare to other cities?
Lake Crystal ranks #69 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 85% of state cities) and #536 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lake Crystal's small water system affect quality?
Lake Crystal's system serves approximately 2,554 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.