WaterVerge

Is Wanamingo, 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 1 water system PWSID: MN1250018
Overall Score
91.5 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#162 of 466 in Minnesota Top 11% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
91.5/100
waterverge.com
A 91.5/100

Wanamingo, MN — Water Quality Report

Wanamingo's drinking water received a grade of A (91.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,113 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 3 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.

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

What to know about Wanamingo's water

Wanamingo ranks #162 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
91.5 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 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Wanamingo, MN water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Wanamingo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,113 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Wanamingo

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wanamingo's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.5/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

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

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Wanamingo's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.

MCLMR
Most recent violations:
Sep 2004 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 1991 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Goodhue County has experienced 9 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 WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4442
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4290

Where does Wanamingo's water come from?

Wanamingo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,113 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Wanamingo 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

Wanamingo'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
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

3
Total violations
1
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Sep 2004
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

3 Total
1 Active
1 Health-based
2 Resolved
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2004
Jul 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1991
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Wanamingo

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wanamingo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
DAIRICONCEPTS L.P.
Food · DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA INC
ZUMBROTA, MN55992
5.0 mi
PLYMOLD (615 KENYON)
Furniture · NA
KENYON, MN55946
10.0 mi
LINCOLN INDUSTRIES OF MINNESOTA INC.
Fabricated Metals · NA
PINE ISLAND, MN55963
9.6 mi
LAND O LAKES - PINE ISLAND
Food · LAND O LAKES INC
PINE ISLAND, MN55963
9.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Jun 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Goodhue County has experienced 9 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
Jun 2019
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4442
Nov 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4290
Mar 2010
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3310
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3242
May 2001
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #1370

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.0 ppb (2023)

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,113
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Wanamingo's water comes from

Groundwater

Wanamingo'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 1,113 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Wanamingo

System Name PWSID Population Source
Wanamingo MN1250018 1,113 GW
Regional Comparison

How Wanamingo compares

Full Minnesota rankings →

Wanamingo's score of 91.5/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Wanamingo (this city)
91.5
St. Paul
73.3
Rochester
69.7
Minnesota avg
82
City Profile

About Wanamingo, MN

Wikipedia →

Wanamingo is a community in Goodhue County, Minnesota, United States, incorporated as a city. It lies along the North Fork of the Zumbro River. As of the 2020 census, Wanamingo had a population of 1,113.

Economic Profile
$78,375
Median Income
$229,198
Median Home Value
$606/mo
Median Rent
2.2%
Unemployment
Community
36.9
Median Age
324
People / sq mi
21.5%
College Educated
72.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Wanamingo, MN tap water safe to drink?

Wanamingo's water quality earned a grade of A (91.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #162 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.

What contaminants are in Wanamingo's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.

How is Wanamingo'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 Wanamingo?

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

Where does Wanamingo's water come from?

Wanamingo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,113 residents.

What health violations has Wanamingo's water system had?

Wanamingo has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2004. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Wanamingo's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Wanamingo 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 3 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 Wanamingo's water compare to other cities?

Wanamingo ranks #162 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 65% of state cities) and #1671 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Wanamingo's small water system affect quality?

Wanamingo's system serves approximately 1,113 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 3 violations on record.