WaterVerge

Is Osseo, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MN1270042
Overall Score
90.9 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased ground water
#188 of 466 in Minnesota Top 13% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
90.9/100
waterverge.com
A 90.9/100

Osseo, MN — Water Quality Report

Osseo's drinking water received a grade of A (90.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,650 residents using purchased ground water.

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 7 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Osseo's water

Osseo ranks #188 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Osseo purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.

As a small community water system, Osseo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
90.9 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.9/45
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: Purchased ground water.
Water Safety

Is Osseo, MN water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Osseo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,650 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Osseo

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Osseo's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4290). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

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 Osseo's water supply.

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

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Osseo's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

MRMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Nov 2018 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Oct 2018 Chlorine Resolved
May 1999 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Sep 1996 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Hennepin County has experienced 8 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 Mississippi River, Elm Creek Nr Champlin, Coon Creek, Sand Creek, Shingle Creek.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4290
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4182
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-3310

Where does Osseo's water come from?

Osseo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,650 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River (river), Elm Creek Nr Champlin (river), Coon Creek (river), Sand Creek (river), Shingle Creek (river).

What Osseo residents can do

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

Osseo'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

7
Total violations
1
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Oct 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

7 Total
2 Active
1 Health-based
5 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
3
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Oct 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Nov 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Nov 2018
Oct 2018 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
May 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1999
Sep 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1996
Apr 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Apr 1993
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Osseo

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Osseo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
OWENS CORNING ROOFING & ASPHALT LLC
Petroleum · OWENS CORNING
MINNEAPOLIS, MN55430
Polycyclic aromatic compounds06.8 mi
CENTRAL SANDBLASTING
Fabricated Metals · NA
NEW BRIGHTON, MN55112
9.9 mi
BALLANTINE - DIV OF U.S. TSUBAKI
Machinery · US TSUBAKI INC
ANOKA, MN55303
6.9 mi
FEDERAL CARTRIDGE CO
Fabricated Metals · THE KINETIC GROUP
ANOKA, MN55303
5.9 mi
GRACO INC-ANOKA
Machinery · GRACO INC
ANOKA, MN55303
7.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Osseo

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Nov 2016
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Hennepin County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Nov 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4290
Jul 2014
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4182
Mar 2010
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3310
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3242
May 2001
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #1370
Apr 1997
SEVERE FLOODING, HIGH WINDS,SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1175

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
Purchased Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,650
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Osseo's water comes from

Purchased Groundwater

Osseo purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.

Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Osseo's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.

Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,650 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Osseo

Osseo is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Mississippi River
river
Elm Creek Nr Champlin
river
Coon Creek
river
Sand Creek
river
Shingle Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Osseo

System Name PWSID Population Source
Osseo MN1270042 2,650 GWP
Regional Comparison

How Osseo compares

Full Minnesota rankings →

Osseo's score of 90.9/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Osseo (this city)
90.9
St. Paul
73.3
Rochester
69.7
Minnesota avg
82
City Profile

About Osseo, MN

Economic Profile
$65,463
Median Income
$251,170
Median Home Value
$1,217/mo
Median Rent
6.4%
Unemployment
Community
46.1
Median Age
1,370
People / sq mi
22.8%
College Educated
48%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Osseo, MN tap water safe to drink?

Osseo's water quality earned a grade of A (90.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #188 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.

What contaminants are in Osseo's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.

How is Osseo'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 Osseo?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Osseo's water come from?

Osseo's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,650 residents.

What health violations has Osseo's water system had?

Osseo has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Osseo's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Osseo 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 7 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 Osseo's water compare to other cities?

Osseo ranks #188 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 60% of state cities) and #1974 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Osseo's small water system affect quality?

Osseo's system serves approximately 2,650 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 7 violations on record.