Is White Earth, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com White Earth, MN — Water Quality Report
White Earth's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,075 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 767 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 52 remain unresolved.
What to know about White Earth's water
White Earth ranks #463 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
White Earth 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, White Earth may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 46 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is White Earth, MN water safe to drink?
White Earth's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,075 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for White Earth
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into White Earth's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1982). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1648). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for White Earth'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
White Earth's water system has 767 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 52 remain unresolved. 46 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Becker County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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 White Earth's water come from?
White Earth's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 1,075 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What White Earth residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in White Earth's water.
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.
White Earth'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
Flood & disaster history
Becker County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in White Earth'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. | 2.8 | 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. | 2.05 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how White Earth compares by contaminant
Explore where White Earth ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where White Earth's water comes from
White Earth'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,075 people through 6 water systems.
Water systems serving White Earth
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAYTAHWAUSH | 055294701 | 462 | GW |
| WHITE EARTH | 055294704 | 388 | GW |
| PONSFORD/PINE POINT | 055294702 | 85 | GW |
| RICE LAKE | 055294703 | 65 | GW |
| ELBOW LAKE | 055294705 | 50 | GW |
| CHIPPEWA RANCH | 055294708 | 25 | GW |
How White Earth compares
Full Minnesota rankings →White Earth's score of 46/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →ZIP codes served by White Earth
The water systems serving White Earth cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About White Earth, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to White Earth's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is White Earth, MN tap water safe to drink?
White Earth's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #463 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in White Earth's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 767 violations are on record.
How is White Earth'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 White Earth?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does White Earth's water come from?
White Earth's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 1,075 residents.
What health violations has White Earth's water system had?
White Earth has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 52 violations remain unresolved.
Is White Earth's groundwater at risk of contamination?
White Earth 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 767 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 White Earth's water compare to other cities?
White Earth ranks #463 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 1% of state cities) and #14059 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.