Is Pelican Rapids, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
50.8/100
waterverge.com Pelican Rapids, MN — Water Quality Report
Pelican Rapids's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,642 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 36 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pelican Rapids's water
Pelican Rapids ranks #457 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pelican Rapids 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, Pelican Rapids may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pelican Rapids, MN water safe to drink?
Pelican Rapids's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of D+ (50.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,642 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pelican Rapids
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pelican Rapids's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic, CYANIDE.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1982). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Pelican Rapids'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
Pelican Rapids's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Otter Tail 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.
Where does Pelican Rapids's water come from?
Pelican Rapids's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,642 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pelican Rapids 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.
Pelican Rapids'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
Flood & disaster history
Otter Tail 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pelican Rapids'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. | 1.56 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pelican Rapids compares by contaminant
Explore where Pelican Rapids ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pelican Rapids's water comes from
Pelican Rapids'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 2,642 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Pelican Rapids
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelican Rapids | MN1560019 | 2,577 | GW |
| Stony Bar Association | MN1560035 | 40 | GW |
| River and Woods Mobile Home Park | MN1560030 | 25 | GW |
How Pelican Rapids compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Pelican Rapids's score of 50.8/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Pelican Rapids, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pelican Rapids's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Otter Tail
Frequently asked questions
Is Pelican Rapids, MN tap water safe to drink?
Pelican Rapids's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #457 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Pelican Rapids's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Pelican Rapids'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 Pelican Rapids?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pelican Rapids's water come from?
Pelican Rapids's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,642 residents.
What health violations has Pelican Rapids's water system had?
Pelican Rapids has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pelican Rapids's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pelican Rapids 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 36 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 Pelican Rapids's water compare to other cities?
Pelican Rapids ranks #457 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 2% of state cities) and #12969 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.