Is Wabasha, 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 ↓
89.7/100
waterverge.com Wabasha, MN — Water Quality Report
Wabasha's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,521 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Wabasha's water
Wabasha ranks #225 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Wabasha 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, Wabasha may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wabasha, MN water safe to drink?
Wabasha's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,521 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wabasha
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wabasha's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wabasha's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wabasha's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Wabasha County has experienced 10 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 Wabasha's water come from?
Wabasha's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,521 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Wabasha 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.
Wabasha'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 Wabasha
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wabasha, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 18 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DAIRYLAND POWER COOPERATIVE - ALMA SITE ALMA, WI54610 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 18 | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wabasha County has experienced 10 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Wabasha compares by contaminant
Explore where Wabasha ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wabasha's water comes from
Wabasha'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 2,521 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Wabasha
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wabasha | MN1790013 | 2,521 | GW |
How Wabasha compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Wabasha's score of 89.7/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Wabasha, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wabasha's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wabasha
Frequently asked questions
Is Wabasha, MN tap water safe to drink?
Wabasha's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #225 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Wabasha's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Wabasha'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 Wabasha?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wabasha's water come from?
Wabasha's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,521 residents.
Is Wabasha's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wabasha 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 2 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 Wabasha's water compare to other cities?
Wabasha ranks #225 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 52% of state cities) and #2646 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wabasha's small water system affect quality?
Wabasha's system serves approximately 2,521 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 2 violations on record.