Is Lancaster, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Lancaster, MN — Water Quality Report
Lancaster's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 511 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 55 violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lancaster's water
Lancaster ranks #460 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lancaster 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, Lancaster may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 33 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lancaster, MN water safe to drink?
Lancaster's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 511 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lancaster
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lancaster's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Arsenic, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4659). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lancaster's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lancaster's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 33 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kittson 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 South Branch Two Rivers.
Where does Lancaster's water come from?
Lancaster's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 511 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Branch Two Rivers (river).
What Lancaster residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lancaster's water.
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.
Lancaster'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
Flood & disaster history
Kittson 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lancaster compares by contaminant
Explore where Lancaster ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lancaster's water comes from
Lancaster 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 Lancaster'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 511 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lancaster
Lancaster is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lancaster
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster | MN1350005 | 361 | GWP |
| Oak Manor Mobile Home Park | MN1680004 | 150 | GW |
How Lancaster compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Lancaster's score of 47/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Lancaster, MN
Wikipedia →Lancaster is a city in Kittson County, Minnesota, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 364.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lancaster's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kittson
Frequently asked questions
Is Lancaster, MN tap water safe to drink?
Lancaster's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #460 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Lancaster's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is Lancaster'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 Lancaster?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lancaster's water come from?
Lancaster's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 511 residents.
What health violations has Lancaster's water system had?
Lancaster has 25 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lancaster's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lancaster 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 55 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 Lancaster's water compare to other cities?
Lancaster ranks #460 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 1% of state cities) and #13808 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.