Is Medford, 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 ↓
88.2/100
waterverge.com Medford, MN — Water Quality Report
Medford's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,626 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 13 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Medford's water
Medford ranks #273 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Medford 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, Medford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Medford, MN water safe to drink?
Medford's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,626 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Medford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Medford's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Medford'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
Medford's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Steele County has experienced 7 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 Straight River.
Where does Medford's water come from?
Medford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,626 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Straight River (river).
What Medford 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.
Medford'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 Medford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Medford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CROWN AEROSOL PACKAGING FARIBAULT, MN55021 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
JENNIE-O-TURKEY STORE FARIBAULT FEED MILL FARIBAULT, MN55021 | — | — | 3.2 mi |
JENNIE-O TURKEY STORE INC FARIBAULT, MN55021 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
TCC - MEDFORD MEDFORD, MN55049 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
TCC MATERIALS - MEDFORD MEDFORD, MN55049 | — | — | 1.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Steele County has experienced 7 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 Medford'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.41 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Medford compares by contaminant
Explore where Medford ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Medford's water comes from
Medford'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 1,626 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Medford
Medford is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Medford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medford | MN1740005 | 1,200 | GW |
| Lazy U Community | MN1740006 | 426 | GW |
How Medford compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Medford's score of 88.2/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Medford, MN
Wikipedia →Medford is a city in Steele County, Minnesota, United States. As of the 2020 census, Medford had a population of 1,315.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Medford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Steele
Frequently asked questions
Is Medford, MN tap water safe to drink?
Medford's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #273 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Medford's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Medford'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 Medford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Medford's water come from?
Medford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,626 residents.
What health violations has Medford's water system had?
Medford has 6 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. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Medford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Medford 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 13 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 Medford's water compare to other cities?
Medford ranks #273 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 41% of state cities) and #3593 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.