Is Pequot Lakes, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.3/100
waterverge.com Pequot Lakes, MN — Water Quality Report
Pequot Lakes's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,325 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 10 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pequot Lakes's water
Pequot Lakes ranks #299 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Pequot Lakes 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, Pequot Lakes may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pequot Lakes, MN water safe to drink?
Pequot Lakes's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,325 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pequot Lakes
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pequot Lakes's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1370). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pequot Lakes's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pequot Lakes's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crow Wing 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.
Where does Pequot Lakes's water come from?
Pequot Lakes's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,325 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pequot Lakes residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pequot Lakes's water.
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.
Pequot Lakes'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCrow Wing 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
Crow Wing 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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pequot Lakes compares by contaminant
Explore where Pequot Lakes ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pequot Lakes's water comes from
Pequot Lakes'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 1,325 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Pequot Lakes
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pequot Lakes | MN1180019 | 1,200 | GW |
| Shiloh Assisted Living | MN1180034 | 50 | GW |
| Nelsons East Shore Landing | MN1180036 | 45 | GW |
| Golden Horizons Assisted Living Facility | MN1180038 | 30 | GW |
How Pequot Lakes compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Pequot Lakes's score of 87.3/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Pequot Lakes, MN
Wikipedia →Pequot Lakes is a city in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 2,395 at the 2020 Census. It is part of the Brainerd micropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pequot Lakes's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crow Wing
Frequently asked questions
Is Pequot Lakes, MN tap water safe to drink?
Pequot Lakes's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #299 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Pequot Lakes's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Pequot Lakes'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 Pequot Lakes?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pequot Lakes's water come from?
Pequot Lakes's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,325 residents.
What health violations has Pequot Lakes's water system had?
Pequot Lakes has 1 health-based violation 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pequot Lakes's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pequot Lakes 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 10 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 Pequot Lakes's water compare to other cities?
Pequot Lakes ranks #299 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 36% of state cities) and #4146 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.