Minnesota Water Quality Report
Tap water quality data for 3 cities in Minnesota, updated 2026.
US average: 100 ppm
1 of 3 cities violation-free
3 cities tested
3 water systems tracked
Cleanest Tap Water in Minnesota
Cities with the fewest water quality issues
Most Water Quality Issues in Minnesota
Cities with the most violations and concerns
Water Hardness Across Minnesota
Not sure what your hardness means? Use our Water Hardness Calculator or find the best hardness test kits.
Minnesota Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Minnesota has 3 tracked water utilities serving approximately 912K residents. The average water hardness is 265 ppm (15.5 GPG), classified as Very Hard — above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 213 ppm in Saint Paul Regional to 302 ppm in Rochester.
In the past 3 years, 2 of 3 cities in Minnesota have recorded water quality violations, totaling 5 violations (0 health-based). All 3 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
With very hard water on average, many Minnesota residents may notice mineral buildup on fixtures, dry skin, or stiff-feeling hair. A shower filter for hard water can help reduce chlorine exposure, while a water softener addresses the mineral buildup directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Water
Is tap water safe to drink in Minnesota?
Most tap water in Minnesota meets EPA standards, but 2 cities have recorded violations in the past 3 years (0 health-based). We recommend checking your specific city's report on TapWater.org and considering a home water test.
How hard is the water in Minnesota?
Minnesota's average water hardness is 265 ppm (15.5 GPG), classified as Very Hard. This is above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.
Which city in Minnesota has the cleanest tap water?
Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, Rochester ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Minnesota. It has zero violations in the past 3 years and lead levels well below the EPA action level.
Which city in Minnesota has the most water quality issues?
Minneapolis currently has the most water quality concerns in Minnesota, with 3 violations in the past 3 years. Residents should check their city's detailed water quality report and consider using a certified water filter.
Where does Minnesota get its water from?
The majority of Minnesota's water systems (67%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.