Is Taylors Falls, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Taylors Falls ranks. What to do next ↓
96.2/100
Taylors Falls, MN — Water Quality Report
Taylors Falls's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,067 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 6 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Taylors Falls's water
Taylors Falls ranks #38 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Taylors 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, Taylors Falls may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Taylors Falls, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Taylors Falls's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.2/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,067 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Taylors Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Taylors Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.2/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Taylors Falls's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Taylors Falls's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Chisago 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. Local water sources include St. Croix River.
Where does Taylors Falls's water come from?
Taylors Falls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,067 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include St. Croix River (river).
What Taylors 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.
Taylors 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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Taylors Falls
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Taylors Falls, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CRM - DRESSER OSCEOLA, WI54020 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Chisago 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Taylors Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Taylors Falls ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Taylors Falls's water comes from
Taylors 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 1,067 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Taylors Falls
Taylors 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 Taylors Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylors Falls | MN1130017 | 1,067 | GW |
How Taylors Falls compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Taylors Falls's score of 96.2/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Taylors Falls, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Taylors Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chisago
Frequently asked questions
Is Taylors Falls, MN tap water safe to drink?
Taylors Falls's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #38 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Taylors Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Taylors 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 Taylors Falls?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Taylors Falls's water come from?
Taylors Falls's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,067 residents.
What health violations has Taylors Falls's water system had?
Taylors Falls has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Taylors Falls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Taylors 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 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 Taylors Falls's water compare to other cities?
Taylors Falls ranks #38 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 92% of state cities) and #212 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Taylors Falls's small water system affect quality?
Taylors Falls's system serves approximately 1,067 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.