WaterVerge

Is Walker, 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 ↓

1K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: MN1110013
Overall Score
94.5 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#63 of 466 in Minnesota Top 3% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
94.5/100
waterverge.com
A 94.5/100

Walker, MN — Water Quality Report

Walker's drinking water received a grade of A (94.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,040 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Walker's water

Walker ranks #63 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Walker 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, Walker may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
94.5 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.5/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Walker, MN water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Walker's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,040 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Walker

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Walker's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.5/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4390). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Walker's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Walker's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Dec 1995 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Mar 1995 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 1993 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Dec 1992 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 1992 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Cass 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.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4797
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4390
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3242

Where does Walker's water come from?

Walker's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,040 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Walker residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Walker'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

6
Total violations
0
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Dec 1995
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

6 Total
1 Active
0 Health-based
5 Resolved
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Dec 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Mar 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1995
Jul 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1993
Dec 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1992
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Cass 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.

13.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Jun 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Cass 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.

Jun 2024
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4797
Sep 2018
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4390
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3242
Apr 1997
SEVERE FLOODING, HIGH WINDS,SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1175
Mar 1966
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #215
Apr 1965
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #188

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.0 ppb from 2022 (2.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,040
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Walker's water comes from

Groundwater

Walker'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 1,040 people through 2 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Walker

System Name PWSID Population Source
Walker MN1110013 990 GW
Kabekona Village Development MN1110035 50 GW
Regional Comparison

How Walker compares

Full Minnesota rankings →

Walker's score of 94.5/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Walker (this city)
94.5
St. Paul
73.3
Rochester
69.7
Minnesota avg
82
City Profile

About Walker, MN

Economic Profile
$32,857
Median Income
$202,769
Median Home Value
$552/mo
Median Rent
7.5%
Unemployment
Community
54
Median Age
129
People / sq mi
30.4%
College Educated
48.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Walker, MN tap water safe to drink?

Walker's water quality earned a grade of A (94.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #63 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.

What contaminants are in Walker's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.

How is Walker'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 Walker?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Walker's water come from?

Walker's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,040 residents.

Is Walker's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Walker 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 Walker's water compare to other cities?

Walker ranks #63 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 86% of state cities) and #490 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.