Is Lester Prairie, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
87.6/100
waterverge.com Lester Prairie, MN — Water Quality Report
Lester Prairie's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,904 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Lester Prairie's water
Lester Prairie ranks #290 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lester Prairie 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, Lester Prairie may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lester Prairie, MN water safe to drink?
Lester Prairie's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,904 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lester Prairie
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lester Prairie's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.6/100).
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: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lester Prairie'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
Lester Prairie's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
McLeod County has experienced 10 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 Lester Prairie's water come from?
Lester Prairie's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,904 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lester Prairie 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.
Lester Prairie'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 Lester Prairie
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lester Prairie, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ADM ANIMAL NUTRITION GLENCOE, MN55336 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
KNIFE RIVER GLENCOE READY MIX GLENCOE, MN55336 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
PLATO WOODWORK INC PLATO, MN55370 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
AWI MANUFACTURING INC WINSTED, MN55395 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
AZZ GALVANIZING SERVICES-WINSTED WINSTED, MN55395 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
McLeod County has experienced 10 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 Lester Prairie'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Lester Prairie compares by contaminant
Explore where Lester Prairie ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lester Prairie's water comes from
Lester Prairie'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 1,904 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Lester Prairie
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lester Prairie | MN1430006 | 1,904 | GW |
How Lester Prairie compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Lester Prairie's score of 87.6/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Lester Prairie, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lester Prairie's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mcleod
Frequently asked questions
Is Lester Prairie, MN tap water safe to drink?
Lester Prairie's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #290 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Lester Prairie's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Lester Prairie'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 Lester Prairie?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lester Prairie's water come from?
Lester Prairie's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,904 residents.
Is Lester Prairie's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lester Prairie 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 3 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 Lester Prairie's water compare to other cities?
Lester Prairie ranks #290 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 38% of state cities) and #3951 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lester Prairie's small water system affect quality?
Lester Prairie's system serves approximately 1,904 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 3 violations on record.