Is Rushford, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.1/100
waterverge.com Rushford, MN — Water Quality Report
Rushford's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,860 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. 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. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rushford's water
Rushford ranks #409 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Rushford 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Rushford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rushford, MN water safe to drink?
Rushford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,860 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rushford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rushford's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rushford's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Rushford's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fillmore County has experienced 7 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 Root River Above Rushford, Rush Creek.
Where does Rushford's water come from?
Rushford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,860 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Root River Above Rushford (river), Rush Creek (river).
What Rushford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rushford'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Rushford'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
Fillmore County has experienced 7 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 Rushford'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. | 10.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 10.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Rushford compares by contaminant
Explore where Rushford ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rushford's water comes from
Rushford'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 1,860 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rushford
Rushford is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rushford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rushford | MN1230011 | 1,860 | GW |
How Rushford compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Rushford's score of 81.1/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Rushford, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rushford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fillmore
Frequently asked questions
Is Rushford, MN tap water safe to drink?
Rushford's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #409 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Rushford's water?
Lead was measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Rushford'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 Rushford?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rushford's water come from?
Rushford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,860 residents.
Is Rushford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rushford 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 Rushford's water compare to other cities?
Rushford ranks #409 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 12% of state cities) and #7592 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rushford's small water system affect quality?
Rushford's system serves approximately 1,860 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 6 violations on record.