Is Oronoco, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94.9/100
waterverge.com Oronoco, MN — Water Quality Report
Oronoco's drinking water received a grade of A (94.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,145 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Oronoco's water
Oronoco ranks #53 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Oronoco 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, Oronoco may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oronoco, MN water safe to drink?
Oronoco's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,145 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oronoco
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oronoco's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.9/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oronoco's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oronoco's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Olmsted County has experienced 5 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 South Fork Zumbro River, Zumbro River.
Where does Oronoco's water come from?
Oronoco's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,145 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Zumbro River (river), Zumbro River (river).
What Oronoco 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.
Oronoco'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 Oronoco
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oronoco, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CRENLO ENGINEERED CABS LLC - PLANT 2 ROCHESTER, MN55901 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
BENCHMARK ROCHESTER, MN55901 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
KERRY INGREDIENTS & FLAVOURS INC. ROCHESTER, MN55901 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
KEMPS LLC - ROCHESTER ROCHESTER, MN55906 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
CRENLO ENGINEERED CABS LLC - PLANT 1 ROCHESTER, MN55901 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Olmsted County has experienced 5 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oronoco compares by contaminant
Explore where Oronoco ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oronoco's water comes from
Oronoco'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 2,145 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Oronoco
Oronoco is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Oronoco
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oronoco | MN1550036 | 2,040 | GW |
| Clearwater Well Company | MN1550009 | 65 | GW |
| Kings Park - Hyland Addition | MN1550031 | 40 | GW |
How Oronoco compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Oronoco's score of 94.9/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Oronoco, MN
Wikipedia →Oronoco is a city in Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States, along the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River. The population was 1,802 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oronoco's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Olmsted
Frequently asked questions
Is Oronoco, MN tap water safe to drink?
Oronoco's water quality earned a grade of A (94.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #53 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Oronoco's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Oronoco'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 Oronoco?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oronoco's water come from?
Oronoco's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,145 residents.
Is Oronoco's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oronoco 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 6 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 Oronoco's water compare to other cities?
Oronoco ranks #53 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 89% of state cities) and #402 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.