Is Willernie, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89/100
waterverge.com Willernie, MN — Water Quality Report
Willernie's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 525 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 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Willernie's water
Willernie ranks #247 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Willernie 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, Willernie may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Willernie, MN water safe to drink?
Willernie's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 525 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Willernie
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Willernie's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1982). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Willernie's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Willernie's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington 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. Local water sources include Mississippi River.
Where does Willernie's water come from?
Willernie's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 525 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River (river).
What Willernie residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Willernie'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.
Willernie'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 Willernie
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Willernie, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 174 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
XCEL ENERGY A. S. KING GENERATING PLANT BAYPORT, MN55003 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 173 | 8.9 mi |
PIER FOUNDRY & PATTERN SHOP INC SAINT PAUL, MN55107 | Copper | 2 | 9.7 mi |
ANDERSEN CORP BAYPORT, MN55003 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
UNIVAR SOLUTIONS USA SAINT PAUL, MN55130 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
CEMSTONE - CHILDS ROAD SAINT PAUL, MN55106 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Willernie
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.
- OAKDALE DUMP3.7 mi
- BAYTOWN TOWNSHIP GROUND WATER PLUME7.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Washington 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.
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 |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Willernie compares by contaminant
Explore where Willernie ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Willernie's water comes from
Willernie 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 Willernie'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 525 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Willernie
Willernie is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Willernie
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willernie | MN1820022 | 525 | GWP |
How Willernie compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Willernie's score of 89/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Willernie, MN
Wikipedia →Willernie is a city in Washington County, Minnesota, United States. It is bordered on all sides by the city of Mahtomedi. As of the 2020 census, Willernie had a population of 515.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Willernie's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Willernie, MN tap water safe to drink?
Willernie's water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #247 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Willernie's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Willernie'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 Willernie?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Willernie's water come from?
Willernie's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 525 residents.
Is Willernie's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Willernie 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 11 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 Willernie's water compare to other cities?
Willernie ranks #247 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 47% of state cities) and #3144 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Willernie's small water system affect quality?
Willernie's system serves approximately 525 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 11 violations on record.