Is Loretto, 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 ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Loretto, MN — Water Quality Report
Loretto's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 637 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Loretto's water
Loretto ranks #320 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Loretto 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, Loretto may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Loretto, MN water safe to drink?
Loretto's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 637 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Loretto
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Loretto's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4290). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4182). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Loretto's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Loretto's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hennepin County has experienced 8 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 Crow River, Lake Minnetonka, Minnehaha Creek.
Where does Loretto's water come from?
Loretto's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 637 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Crow River (river), Lake Minnetonka (lake), Minnehaha Creek (river).
What Loretto 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.
Loretto'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 Loretto
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Loretto, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC WEAVER LAKE CAMPUS MAPLE GROVE, MN55311 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
CEMSTONE - DELANO DELANO, MN55328 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
CEMSTONE - DAYTON DAYTON, MN55327 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
EASIWAY SYSTEMS INC. DELANO, MN55328 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
MACDERMID ENTHONE AMERICA LLC MAPLE PLAIN, MN55359 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Loretto
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.
- SPRING PARK MUNICIPAL WELL FIELD8.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Hennepin County has experienced 8 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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Loretto compares by contaminant
Explore where Loretto ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Loretto's water comes from
Loretto'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 637 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Loretto
Loretto is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Loretto
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loretto | MN1270019 | 637 | GW |
How Loretto compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Loretto's score of 86.7/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Loretto, MN
Wikipedia →Loretto is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 646 at the 2020 census. An outer suburb of Minneapolis located 19 miles (31 km) to the west, Loretto is completely surrounded by a rural, agricultural part of Medina, Minnesota.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Loretto's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hennepin
Frequently asked questions
Is Loretto, MN tap water safe to drink?
Loretto's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #320 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Loretto's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Loretto'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 Loretto?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Loretto's water come from?
Loretto's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 637 residents.
Is Loretto's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Loretto 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 1 violation 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 Loretto's water compare to other cities?
Loretto ranks #320 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 31% of state cities) and #4564 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Loretto's small water system affect quality?
Loretto's system serves approximately 637 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 1 violation on record.