Is Walnut Grove, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Walnut Grove ranks. What to do next ↓
97/100
waterverge.com Walnut Grove, MN — Water Quality Report
Walnut Grove's drinking water received a grade of A+ (97 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 825 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Walnut Grove's water
Walnut Grove ranks #16 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Walnut Grove 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, Walnut Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Walnut Grove, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Walnut Grove's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (97/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 825 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Walnut Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Walnut Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (97/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Walnut Grove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Walnut Grove's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Redwood County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Walnut Grove's water come from?
Walnut Grove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 825 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Walnut Grove 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.
Walnut Grove'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 Walnut Grove
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Walnut Grove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HIGHWATER ETHANOL LLC LAMBERTON, MN56152 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Redwood County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Walnut Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Walnut Grove ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Walnut Grove's water comes from
Walnut Grove'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 825 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Walnut Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walnut Grove | MN1640014 | 825 | GW |
How Walnut Grove compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Walnut Grove's score of 97/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Walnut Grove, MN
Wikipedia →Walnut Grove is a city in Redwood County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 751 at the 2020 census. Another name formerly associated with the area is Walnut Station.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Walnut Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Redwood
Frequently asked questions
Is Walnut Grove, MN tap water safe to drink?
Walnut Grove's water quality earned a grade of A+ (97/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #16 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Walnut Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Walnut Grove'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 Walnut Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Walnut Grove's water come from?
Walnut Grove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 825 residents.
Is Walnut Grove's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Walnut Grove 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 1 violation 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 Walnut Grove's water compare to other cities?
Walnut Grove ranks #16 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 97% of state cities) and #111 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 Walnut Grove's small water system affect quality?
Walnut Grove's system serves approximately 825 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 1 violation on record.