Is Sebeka, 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 ↓
93.4/100
waterverge.com Sebeka, MN — Water Quality Report
Sebeka's drinking water received a grade of A (93.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 939 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 16 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sebeka's water
Sebeka ranks #98 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Sebeka 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, Sebeka may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sebeka, MN water safe to drink?
Sebeka's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 939 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sebeka
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sebeka's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4182). 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 Sebeka's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sebeka's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wadena 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 Sebeka's water come from?
Sebeka's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 939 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sebeka 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.
Sebeka'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Sebeka
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sebeka, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SALO MANUFACTURING INC MENAHGA, MN56464 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sebeka
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.
- RITARI POST POLE3.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Wadena 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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Sebeka compares by contaminant
Explore where Sebeka ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sebeka's water comes from
Sebeka'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 939 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Sebeka
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebeka | MN1800002 | 739 | GW |
| Twin Haven Estates | MN1030003 | 200 | GW |
How Sebeka compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Sebeka's score of 93.4/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Sebeka, MN
Wikipedia →Sebeka is a city in Wadena County, Minnesota, United States. As of the 2020 census, Sebeka had a population of 741. The name comes from an Ojibwe word meaning "town by the water".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sebeka's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wadena
Frequently asked questions
Is Sebeka, MN tap water safe to drink?
Sebeka's water quality earned a grade of A (93.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #98 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Sebeka's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Sebeka'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 Sebeka?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sebeka's water come from?
Sebeka's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 939 residents.
What health violations has Sebeka's water system had?
Sebeka has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sebeka's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sebeka 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 16 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 Sebeka's water compare to other cities?
Sebeka ranks #98 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 79% of state cities) and #858 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.