WaterVerge

Is Wayzata, 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 ↓

5K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MN1270054
Overall Score
86 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#336 of 466 in Minnesota Top 32% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86/100
waterverge.com
A- 86/100

Wayzata, MN — Water Quality Report

Wayzata's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,592 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 2 PFAS compounds in the water supply.

The system has 2 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 Wayzata's water

Wayzata ranks #336 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Wayzata 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.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.7/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17.2/20
B
2 PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Wayzata, MN water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Wayzata's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,592 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
2 compounds
PFAS Detected
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Wayzata

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

PFAS
2 PFAS "forever chemical" compounds detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wayzata's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4290). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4182). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

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

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

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.40 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

PFAS (2 compounds) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 10.0000 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

PFAS "forever chemicals" detected

UCMR 5 testing found 2 PFAS compounds in Wayzata's water supply. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment and the human body.

Compound Level EPA MCL Status
lithium 10.0000 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
PFBA 0.0099 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit

Violation history

Wayzata's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Apr 1998 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Hennepin County has experienced 8 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. Local water sources include Lake Minnetonka, Minnehaha Creek.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4290
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4182
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-3310

Where does Wayzata's water come from?

Wayzata's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 4,592 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lake Minnetonka (lake), Minnehaha Creek (river).

What Wayzata 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

Wayzata'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
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.40 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +8% over limit
Exceeds Limit
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
10.0000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
Lithium
Inorganic
Detected
10.0 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · 17% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
2
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

2
Total violations
0
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Apr 1998
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

2 Total
1 Active
0 Health-based
1 Resolved
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Apr 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 1998
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Wayzata

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC WEAVER LAKE CAMPUS
Miscellaneous Manufacturing · BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORP
MAPLE GROVE, MN55311
9.5 mi
ROBERTS AUTOMATIC PRODUCTS
Fabricated Metals · NA
CHANHASSEN, MN55317
7.9 mi
EMERSON AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS ROSEMOUNT INC
Computers and Electronic Products · EMERSON ELECTRIC CO
CHANHASSEN, MN55317
7.9 mi
PROTECH INTERCONNECT SOLUTIONS LLC
Computers and Electronic Products · NA
CHASKA, MN55318
8.8 mi
LIFECORE BIOMEDICAL LLC
Chemicals · LIFECORE BIOMEDICAL INC
CHASKA, MN55318
9.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Wayzata

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Nov 2016
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Hennepin County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Nov 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4290
Jul 2014
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4182
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
Apr 1997
SEVERE FLOODING, HIGH WINDS,SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1175

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Wayzata's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
2 PFAS compounds detected
🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.40 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium 10.000 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA 0.010 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 8.9 ppb from 1992 (8.9 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.400 mg/L from 1993 (1.800 mg/L) to 1999 (1.400 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
4,592
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Wayzata's water comes from

Groundwater

Wayzata'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 4,592 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Wayzata

Wayzata is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Lake Minnetonka
lake
Minnehaha Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Wayzata

System Name PWSID Population Source
Wayzata MN1270054 4,592 GW
Regional Comparison

How Wayzata compares

Full Minnesota rankings →

Wayzata's score of 86/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Wayzata (this city)
86
St. Paul
73.3
Rochester
69.7
Minnesota avg
82
City Profile

About Wayzata, MN

Wikipedia →

Wayzata is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 4,434 at the 2020 census. A suburb of the Twin Cities, Wayzata is located about 9 miles (14 km) west of Minneapolis along the northern shore of Lake Minnetonka, the state's ninth-largest lake.

Economic Profile
$118,456
Median Income
$899,053
Median Home Value
$1,523/mo
Median Rent
1.3%
Unemployment
Community
56.5
Median Age
544
People / sq mi
67.6%
College Educated
59.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Wayzata, MN tap water safe to drink?

Wayzata's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #336 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.

What contaminants are in Wayzata's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 PFAS compounds were detected. 2 violations are on record.

How is Wayzata'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 Wayzata?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Wayzata's water come from?

Wayzata's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 4,592 residents.

Is Wayzata's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Wayzata 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 Wayzata's water compare to other cities?

Wayzata ranks #336 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 28% of state cities) and #4978 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.