WaterVerge

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 ↓

515 residents served 2 water systems PWSID: MN1620016
Overall Score
89.6 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#233 of 466 in Minnesota Top 18% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.6/100
waterverge.com
A- 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.6 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Maplewood, MN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

4
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Maplewood

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Maplewood's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.6/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

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.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MRMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2020 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2018 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved
Oct 2012 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

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.

SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4442
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4182
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1982

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Maplewood's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

11
Total violations
1
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Jan 2021
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

11 Total
4 Active
1 Health-based
7 Resolved
Violations by category
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Total Coliform Rule
5
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Jan 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2011 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2020 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2020
Jan 2018 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2018
Oct 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Jul 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2012
Oct 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Apr 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 1994
Oct 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1991
Industrial pollution

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
SANIMAX USA LLC
Food · SANIMAX USA LLC
SOUTH SAINT PAUL, MN55075
Ammonia1039.3 mi
BELL LUMBER & POLE CO.
Wood Products · BELL LUMBER & POLE CO
NEW BRIGHTON, MN55112
Pentachlorophenol48.4 mi
PIER FOUNDRY & PATTERN SHOP INC
Primary Metals · NA
SAINT PAUL, MN55107
Copper25.7 mi
HOLCIM - MWR INC. NEWPORT READY MIX
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · HOLCIM PARTICIPATIONS (US) INC
NEWPORT, MN55055
9.7 mi
TWIN CITY TANNING CO LLP
Leather · NA
SOUTH SAINT PAUL, MN55075
9.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

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.

+ 2 more sites

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Jun 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Jun 2019
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4442
Jul 2014
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4182
May 2011
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1982
Apr 2010
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1900
Mar 2010
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3310
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3242

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.0 ppb from 2020 (1.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
515
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Maplewood's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Minnesota River
river
Mississippi River
river
Gp-01 Tcaap Site Gravel Pit
lake
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Maplewood

System Name PWSID Population Source
Town and Country Mobile Home Park MN1620016 315 GW
Birchwood Terrace MN1130019 200 GW
Regional Comparison

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.

Maplewood (this city)
89.6
St. Paul
73.3
Rochester
69.7
Minnesota avg
82
City Profile

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.

Economic Profile
$86,769
Median Income
$283,501
Median Home Value
$1,291/mo
Median Rent
3.1%
Unemployment
Community
39.2
Median Age
938
People / sq mi
35.2%
College Educated
72.1%
Homeownership
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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.