Is Menahga, 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 ↓
92.9/100
waterverge.com Menahga, MN — Water Quality Report
Menahga's drinking water received a grade of A (92.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,347 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Menahga's water
Menahga ranks #119 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Menahga 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, Menahga may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Menahga, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Menahga's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (92.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,347 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Menahga
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Menahga's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.9/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4182). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Menahga'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
Menahga's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Wadena County has experienced 6 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 Menahga's water come from?
Menahga's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,347 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 Menahga 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.
Menahga'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 Menahga
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Menahga, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SALO MANUFACTURING INC MENAHGA, MN56464 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Menahga
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.
- RITARI POST POLE7.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtWadena County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Wadena County has experienced 6 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 Menahga'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. | 2.20 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.200 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Menahga compares by contaminant
Explore where Menahga ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Menahga's water comes from
Menahga'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 1,347 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Menahga
Menahga is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Menahga
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menahga | MN1800001 | 1,347 | GW |
How Menahga compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Menahga's score of 92.9/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Menahga, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Menahga's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wadena
Frequently asked questions
Is Menahga, MN tap water safe to drink?
Menahga's water quality earned a grade of A (92.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #119 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Menahga's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Menahga'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 Menahga?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Menahga's water come from?
Menahga's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,347 residents.
Is Menahga's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Menahga 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 3 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 Menahga's water compare to other cities?
Menahga ranks #119 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 74% of state cities) and #1062 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Menahga's small water system affect quality?
Menahga's system serves approximately 1,347 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 3 violations on record.