Is Lexington, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.9/100
Lexington, MN — Water Quality Report
Lexington's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,018 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 28 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lexington's water
Lexington ranks #383 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lexington 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, Lexington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lexington, MN water safe to drink?
Lexington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,018 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lexington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lexington's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1370). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lexington's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lexington's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Anoka County has experienced 5 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. Local water sources include Sand Creek, Coon Creek, Mississippi River, Rice Creek, Shingle Creek.
Where does Lexington's water come from?
Lexington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,018 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sand Creek (river), Coon Creek (river), Mississippi River (river), Rice Creek (river), Shingle Creek (river).
What Lexington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lexington'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.
Lexington'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 Lexington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lexington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 4 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BELL LUMBER & POLE CO. NEW BRIGHTON, MN55112 | Pentachlorophenol | 4 | 6.1 mi |
OWENS CORNING ROOFING & ASPHALT LLC MINNEAPOLIS, MN55430 | Polycyclic aromatic compounds | 0 | 9.2 mi |
CEMSTONE - COLUMBUS FOREST LAKE, MN55025 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
CORTEC CORP WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN55110 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
H.B. FULLER PILOT FACILITY VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MN55110 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lexington
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.
- NEW BRIGHTON ARDEN HILLS TCAAP USARMY4.3 mi
- MACGILLIS GIBBS CO BELL LUMBER POLE CO5.9 mi
- KURT MANUFACTURING CO7.0 mi
- NAVAL INDUSTRIAL RESERVE ORDNANCE PLANT7.4 mi
- FMC CORP FRIDLEY PLANT7.6 mi
+ 1 more site
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Anoka County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Lexington compares by contaminant
Explore where Lexington ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lexington's water comes from
Lexington'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 3,018 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lexington
Lexington is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lexington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington | MN1020032 | 2,738 | GW |
| Parkview Homes, LLC | MN1020025 | 280 | GW |
How Lexington compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Lexington's score of 82.9/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Lexington, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lexington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Anoka
Frequently asked questions
Is Lexington, MN tap water safe to drink?
Lexington's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #383 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Lexington's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Lexington'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 Lexington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lexington's water come from?
Lexington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,018 residents.
What health violations has Lexington's water system had?
Lexington has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lexington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lexington 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 28 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 Lexington's water compare to other cities?
Lexington ranks #383 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 18% of state cities) and #6692 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.