Is Slayton, 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 ↓
88.8/100
waterverge.com Slayton, MN — Water Quality Report
Slayton's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,020 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 12 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Slayton's water
Slayton ranks #253 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Slayton 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, Slayton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Slayton, MN water safe to drink?
Slayton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,020 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Slayton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Slayton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Slayton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Slayton's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Murray County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Slayton's water come from?
Slayton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,020 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Slayton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Slayton'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.
Slayton'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 droughtMurray 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
Murray County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Slayton compares by contaminant
Explore where Slayton ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Slayton's water comes from
Slayton'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 2,020 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Slayton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slayton | MN1510009 | 1,964 | GW |
| Hadley | MN1510006 | 56 | GW |
How Slayton compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Slayton's score of 88.8/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Slayton, MN
Wikipedia →Slayton is a city in and the county seat of Murray County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 2,013 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Slayton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Murray
Frequently asked questions
Is Slayton, MN tap water safe to drink?
Slayton's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #253 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Slayton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Slayton'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 Slayton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Slayton's water come from?
Slayton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,020 residents.
What health violations has Slayton's water system had?
Slayton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Slayton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Slayton 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 12 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 Slayton's water compare to other cities?
Slayton ranks #253 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 46% of state cities) and #3242 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.