Is Maplewood, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.6/100
Maplewood, MN — Water Quality Report
Maplewood's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 515 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 11 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Maplewood's water
Maplewood ranks #233 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Maplewood 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, Maplewood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Maplewood, MN water safe to drink?
Maplewood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 515 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Maplewood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Maplewood's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Maplewood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Maplewood's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ramsey 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. Local water sources include Minnesota River, Mississippi River, Gp-01 Tcaap Site Gravel Pit.
Where does Maplewood's water come from?
Maplewood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 515 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Minnesota River (river), Mississippi River (river), Gp-01 Tcaap Site Gravel Pit (lake).
What Maplewood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Maplewood'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.
Maplewood'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 Maplewood
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Maplewood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 108 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SANIMAX USA LLC SOUTH SAINT PAUL, MN55075 | Ammonia | 103 | 9.3 mi |
BELL LUMBER & POLE CO. NEW BRIGHTON, MN55112 | Pentachlorophenol | 4 | 8.4 mi |
PIER FOUNDRY & PATTERN SHOP INC SAINT PAUL, MN55107 | Copper | 2 | 5.7 mi |
HOLCIM - MWR INC. NEWPORT READY MIX NEWPORT, MN55055 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
TWIN CITY TANNING CO LLP SOUTH SAINT PAUL, MN55075 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Maplewood
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.
- OAKDALE DUMP3.4 mi
- KOPPERS COKE6.8 mi
- MACGILLIS GIBBS CO BELL LUMBER POLE CO8.4 mi
- NEW BRIGHTON ARDEN HILLS TCAAP USARMY9.1 mi
- SOUTHEAST HENNEPIN AREA GROUNDWATER AND VAPOR9.3 mi
+ 2 more sites
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Ramsey 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.
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 Maplewood compares by contaminant
Explore where Maplewood ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Maplewood's water comes from
Maplewood'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 private ownership and serves approximately 515 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Maplewood
Maplewood is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Maplewood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Town and Country Mobile Home Park | MN1620016 | 315 | GW |
| Birchwood Terrace | MN1130019 | 200 | GW |
How Maplewood compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Maplewood's score of 89.6/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Maplewood, MN
Wikipedia →Maplewood is a city in Ramsey County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 42,088 at the 2020 census. Maplewood is ten minutes' drive from downtown Saint Paul. It stretches along the northern and eastern borders of Saint Paul.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Maplewood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ramsey
Frequently asked questions
Is Maplewood, MN tap water safe to drink?
Maplewood's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #233 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Maplewood's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Maplewood'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 Maplewood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Maplewood's water come from?
Maplewood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 515 residents.
What health violations has Maplewood's water system had?
Maplewood has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Maplewood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Maplewood 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 11 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 Maplewood's water compare to other cities?
Maplewood ranks #233 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 50% of state cities) and #2747 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.