WaterVerge

Is Westbrook, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Westbrook ranks. What to do next ↓

785 residents served 1 water system PWSID: MN1170005
Overall Score
94.8 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#55 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
94.8/100
waterverge.com
A 94.8/100

Westbrook, MN — Water Quality Report

Westbrook's drinking water received a grade of A (94.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 785 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.

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

What to know about Westbrook's water

Westbrook ranks #55 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
94.8 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.8/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Westbrook, MN water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Westbrook's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 785 residents using groundwater (wells).

None
Violations
5.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Westbrook

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Westbrook's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.8/100).

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

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrite.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 5.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Westbrook's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2014 Chlorine Resolved
Apr 2001 Nitrite Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Cottonwood County has experienced 7 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, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4390

Where does Westbrook's water come from?

Westbrook's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 785 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Westbrook 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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Westbrook'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
5.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 33% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

2
Total violations
1
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Jul 2014
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

2 Total
0 Active
1 Health-based
2 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Nitrate Rule
1
Jul 2014 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2014
Apr 2001 Resolved
Nitrite
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2001
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Jun 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Cottonwood County has experienced 7 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
Sep 2018
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4390
Apr 2010
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1900
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3242
Apr 1969
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #255

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 5.0 ppb (2023)

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
785
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Westbrook's water comes from

Groundwater

Westbrook'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 785 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Westbrook

System Name PWSID Population Source
Westbrook MN1170005 785 GW
Regional Comparison

How Westbrook compares

Full Minnesota rankings →

Westbrook's score of 94.8/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Westbrook (this city)
94.8
St. Paul
73.3
Rochester
69.7
Minnesota avg
82
City Profile

About Westbrook, MN

Economic Profile
$40,278
Median Income
$69,200
Median Home Value
$598/mo
Median Rent
1%
Unemployment
Community
42.5
Median Age
479
People / sq mi
21.8%
College Educated
70.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Westbrook, MN tap water safe to drink?

Westbrook's water quality earned a grade of A (94.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #55 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.

What contaminants are in Westbrook's water?

Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.

How is Westbrook'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 Westbrook?

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

Where does Westbrook's water come from?

Westbrook's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 785 residents.

What health violations has Westbrook's water system had?

Westbrook has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.

Is Westbrook's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Westbrook 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 Westbrook's water compare to other cities?

Westbrook ranks #55 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 88% of state cities) and #429 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.

Does Westbrook's small water system affect quality?

Westbrook's system serves approximately 785 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.