Is Red Lake Falls, 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 ↓
94.1/100
waterverge.com Red Lake Falls, MN — Water Quality Report
Red Lake Falls's drinking water received a grade of A (94.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,328 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 13 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Red Lake Falls's water
Red Lake Falls ranks #75 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Red Lake Falls 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, Red Lake Falls may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Red Lake Falls, MN water safe to drink?
Red Lake Falls's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,328 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Red Lake Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Red Lake Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4659). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4659). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Red Lake Falls's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Red Lake Falls's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Red Lake County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2006. 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 Clearwater River.
Where does Red Lake Falls's water come from?
Red Lake Falls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,328 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Clearwater River (river).
What Red Lake Falls 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.
Red Lake Falls'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
Red Lake County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2006. 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 Red Lake Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Red Lake Falls ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Red Lake Falls's water comes from
Red Lake Falls'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 1,328 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Red Lake Falls
Red Lake Falls is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Red Lake Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Lake Falls | MN1630003 | 1,328 | GW |
How Red Lake Falls compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Red Lake Falls's score of 94.1/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Red Lake Falls, MN
Wikipedia →Red Lake Falls is a city and the county seat of Red Lake County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,339 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Red Lake County. The city lies in the middle of Red Lake Falls Township, from which it was separated when incorporated as a village in 1881. Its status was raised to that of a city in 1898.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Red Lake Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Red Lake
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Lake Falls, MN tap water safe to drink?
Red Lake Falls's water quality earned a grade of A (94.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #75 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Red Lake Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Red Lake Falls'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 Red Lake Falls?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Red Lake Falls's water come from?
Red Lake Falls's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,328 residents.
Is Red Lake Falls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Red Lake Falls 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 13 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 Red Lake Falls's water compare to other cities?
Red Lake Falls ranks #75 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 84% of state cities) and #621 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Red Lake Falls's small water system affect quality?
Red Lake Falls's system serves approximately 1,328 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 13 violations on record.