Is Minnesota Lake, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Minnesota Lake ranks. What to do next ↓
93/100
waterverge.com Minnesota Lake, MN — Water Quality Report
Minnesota Lake's drinking water received a grade of A (93 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 683 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Minnesota Lake's water
Minnesota Lake ranks #116 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Minnesota Lake 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Minnesota Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Minnesota Lake has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Minnesota Lake, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Minnesota Lake's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (93/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 683 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Minnesota Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Minnesota Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Minnesota Lake's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Flood & environmental risk
Faribault 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.
Where does Minnesota Lake's water come from?
Minnesota Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 683 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Minnesota Lake 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Minnesota Lake'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 ↓Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Minnesota Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Minnesota Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BRAKEBUSH BROTHERS INC WELLS, MN56097 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
WELLS CONCRETE PRODUCTS WELLS, MN56097 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
CCM - WELLS WELLS, MN56097 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Faribault 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Minnesota Lake'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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 7.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Minnesota Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Minnesota Lake ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Minnesota Lake's water comes from
Minnesota Lake'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 683 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Minnesota Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Lake | MN1220013 | 683 | GW |
How Minnesota Lake compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Minnesota Lake's score of 93/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Minnesota Lake, MN
Wikipedia →Minnesota Lake is a city in Blue Earth and Faribault counties in the State of Minnesota. The population was 661 at the 2020 census. The bulk of the city is in Faribault County; a small part of the town extends into Blue Earth County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Minnesota Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Faribault
Frequently asked questions
Is Minnesota Lake, MN tap water safe to drink?
Minnesota Lake's water quality earned a grade of A (93/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #116 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Minnesota Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Minnesota Lake'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 Minnesota Lake?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Minnesota Lake's water come from?
Minnesota Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 683 residents.
Is Minnesota Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Minnesota Lake uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. Current testing shows the groundwater meets EPA standards. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Minnesota Lake's water compare to other cities?
Minnesota Lake ranks #116 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 75% of state cities) and #1039 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 Minnesota Lake's small water system affect quality?
Minnesota Lake's system serves approximately 683 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 maintained a clean compliance record.