Is Watkins, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
92.9/100
waterverge.com Watkins, MN — Water Quality Report
Watkins's drinking water received a grade of A (92.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 958 residents using purchased ground water.
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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Watkins's water
Watkins ranks #121 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Watkins purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Watkins may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Watkins, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Watkins's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (92.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 958 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Watkins
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Watkins's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.9/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1370). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Watkins's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Watkins's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Meeker County has experienced 4 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 Watkins's water come from?
Watkins's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 958 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Watkins 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.
Watkins'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 Watkins
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Watkins, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 16,732 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PILGRIM'S COLD SPRINGS PROCESSING PLANT COLD SPRING, MN56320 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 16,732 | 10.0 mi |
RIE COATINGS LLC EDEN VALLEY, MN55329 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
LOUISIANA PACIFIC WATKINS, MN55389 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
COLDSPRING COLD SPRING, MN56320 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Meeker County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Watkins's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Watkins compares by contaminant
Explore where Watkins ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Watkins's water comes from
Watkins purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Watkins's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 958 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Watkins
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watkins | MN1470010 | 958 | GWP |
How Watkins compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Watkins's score of 92.9/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Watkins, MN
Wikipedia →Watkins is a city in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 991 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Watkins's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Meeker
Frequently asked questions
Is Watkins, MN tap water safe to drink?
Watkins's water quality earned a grade of A (92.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #121 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Watkins's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Watkins'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 Watkins?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Watkins's water come from?
Watkins's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 958 residents.
Is Watkins's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Watkins 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 Watkins's water compare to other cities?
Watkins ranks #121 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 74% of state cities) and #1069 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Watkins's small water system affect quality?
Watkins's system serves approximately 958 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.