Vanadium Contamination

Vanadium in Minnesota Drinking Water

Ranked by max vanadium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over HA

% Over HA

0.59 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 5% vs national

vs National

217

Health Violations

Analysis

Vanadium in Minnesota: what the data shows

Minnesota has 32 cities with vanadium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Vanadium was detected above the 21 µg/L EPA short-term health advisory in 0 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 0.59 µg/L. Vanadium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in the western United States where it leaches from volcanic rock and oil shale formations. Industrial sources include steel manufacturing, oil refining, and fossil fuel combustion. There is no federal MCL for vanadium — the EPA established a short-term health advisory of 21 µg/L for a 10 kg child consuming 1 L/day for 10 days. Long-term exposure to elevated vanadium has been associated with kidney effects in animal studies and possible developmental impacts. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing vanadium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 21 µg/L EPA short-term HA (no MCL)

Minnesota

0 of 32 cities

← ▼ 5% below national rate (better)

National avg

179 of 3322 cities

City Map

Vanadium data across Minnesota

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 vanadium testing data. Cities where vanadium exceeds the 21 µg/L EPA short-term health advisory are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by vanadium level in Minnesota

Highest Vanadium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Minnesota cities ranked by vanadium level

#	City	Level	Over HA?	Violations	Grade
1	Elk River	2.50 µg/L	No	0	A
2	Cloquet	2.20 µg/L	No	0	A-
3	Moorhead	1.10 µg/L	No	0	B+
4	Monticello	1.10 µg/L	No	6	B
5	Mankato	0.83 µg/L	No	8	F
6	St. Cloud	0.72 µg/L	No	2	A-
7	Crystal	0.70 µg/L	No	0	A+
8	Fairmont	0.65 µg/L	No	3	A-
9	Roseville	0.64 µg/L	No	0	A
10	Sauk Rapids	0.61 µg/L	No	2	B+
11	Columbia Heights	0.59 µg/L	No	0	B+
12	St. Paul	0.58 µg/L	No	5	B-
13	Marshall	0.56 µg/L	No	0	B+
14	White Bear Lake	0.53 µg/L	No	0	A-
15	Savage	0.45 µg/L	No	5	A-
16	Golden Valley	0.44 µg/L	No	0	A-
17	Bloomington	0.41 µg/L	No	1	A
18	Richfield	0.41 µg/L	No	0	A+
19	Fergus Falls	0.40 µg/L	No	11	C
20	Bemidji	0.35 µg/L	No	7	C
21	New Hope	0.34 µg/L	No	0	A-
22	Oakdale	0.32 µg/L	No	1	B+
23	Maple Grove	0.31 µg/L	No	0	B+
24	Minneapolis	0.30 µg/L	No	2	B-
25	Northfield	0.27 µg/L	No	0	A-
26	Duluth	0.26 µg/L	No	1	A-
27	Stillwater	0.25 µg/L	No	8	C+
28	Cold Spring	0.25 µg/L	No	10	A
29	Two Harbors	0.24 µg/L	No	0	A
30	Chaska	0.23 µg/L	No	2	B+
31	Eden Prairie	0.21 µg/L	No	0	A-
32	South St. Paul	0.20 µg/L	No	6	B+

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about vanadium in Minnesota

Is vanadium in Minnesota tap water harmful?

Vanadium has no federal MCL. The EPA short-term health advisory is 21 µg/L. No cities in Minnesota exceed the EPA short-term health advisory. Long-term exposure has been linked to kidney effects in animal studies. Vanadium is most common in groundwater in the western US.

How can I remove vanadium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are highly effective at removing vanadium, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Ion exchange systems also work. Standard activated carbon filters are not effective against vanadium. If your water comes from a private well in the western US, consider testing for vanadium.

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