Is Le Center, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.6/100
waterverge.com Le Center, MN — Water Quality Report
Le Center's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,544 residents using groundwater.
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 26 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Le Center's water
Le Center ranks #437 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Le Center 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, Le Center may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 24 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Le Center, MN water safe to drink?
Le Center's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (72.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,544 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Le Center
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Le Center's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.6/100).
Contaminants: Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Endrin, OXAMYL.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Le Center's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Le Center's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 24 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Le Sueur County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Le Center's water come from?
Le Center's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,544 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Le Center 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.
Le Center'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 Le Center
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Le Center, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FIBERGLAS FABRICATORS INC LE CENTER, MN56057 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
MITEK USA INC. MONTGOMERY, MN56069 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Le Sueur County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Le Center compares by contaminant
Explore where Le Center ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Le Center's water comes from
Le Center'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 2,544 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Le Center
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Center | MN1400008 | 2,544 | GW |
How Le Center compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Le Center's score of 72.6/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Le Center, MN
Wikipedia →Le Center is a city and the county seat of Le Sueur County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 2,517 at the 2020 census. The Le Sueur County Courthouse and Jail are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Le Center's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Le Sueur
Frequently asked questions
Is Le Center, MN tap water safe to drink?
Le Center's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #437 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Le Center's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Le Center'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 Le Center?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Le Center's water come from?
Le Center's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,544 residents.
What health violations has Le Center's water system had?
Le Center has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Le Center's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Le Center 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 26 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 Le Center's water compare to other cities?
Le Center ranks #437 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 6% of state cities) and #10271 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Le Center's small water system affect quality?
Le Center's system serves approximately 2,544 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 26 violations on record.