Minneapolis Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Minneapolis tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At 280.5 ppm (16.4 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. There have been 3 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
16.4 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Very Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Minneapolis Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Minneapolis tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
11 contaminants were tested in Minneapolis's water. 9 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfectants — Chloramine is at 3.33 ppm — 83% of the EPA limit (4 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A disinfectant made from chlorine and ammonia, used as an alternative to chlorine. Lasts longer in the distribution system. Safe at regulated levels. Produces fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine, but can be harmful to fish and dialysis patients.
→ Catalytic carbon filters or reverse osmosis can remove chloramine. Standard carbon filters are less effective.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 2 PFAS compounds detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFBA at 10.12 ppt.
Disinfection Byproducts — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 36.7 ppb (46% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.7 ppm (18% of EPA limit).
Lead — Lead (2 ppb) is at 13% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 425K people in the Minneapolis area.
Based on publicly available data from City of Minneapolis Water Treatment & Distribution 2024 Annual Water Quality Report (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Minneapolis water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure. With very hard water (280.5 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Minneapolis Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
2 ppb
30% below average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
90 ppm
29% softer than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Not Detected
67% of cities are PFAS-free
How Hard is Minneapolis Water?
280.5 ppm
16.4 grains per gallon
Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Dries out skin & hair
Kitchen
Heavy mineral deposits
Laundry
Stiff, dingy clothes
Appliances
Significant scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 280.5 ppm, Minneapolis has very hard water. A water softener can help prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. According to the Water Quality Research Foundation, hard water can reduce appliance efficiency and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 85–103 ppm
Based on 338 samples from City of Minneapolis Water Treatment & Distribution 2024 Annual Water Quality Report (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Minneapolis tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Minneapolis
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
2 ppb
Minneapolis lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Other Detected Contaminants
11 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
36.7 ppb Range: 10-58.3 Chloramines disinfection | 80 ppb | Safe 46% of limit | |
24.1 ppb Range: 1-39 | 60 ppb | Safe 40% of limit | |
3.33 ppm Range: 2.8-3.7 | 4 ppm | Caution 83% of limit | |
0.7 ppm Range: 0.66-0.71 Added to promote dental health | 4 ppm | Safe 18% of limit | |
0.86 ppm Range: 0.72-0.86 | 10 ppm | Safe 9% of limit | |
Sodium | 18.7 ppm Seasonal variation based on river conditions | N/A | Safe |
PFBA | 10.12 ppt Range: 7.43-12 Detected in 2024 CCR monitoring; no federal MCL. UCMR5: avg 7.89 ppt. | N/A | Safe |
PFHxA | 1 ppt Range: 0-1 Unregulated; MN comparison value 200 ppt | N/A | Safe |
PFPeA | 1 ppt Range: 0-1 Unregulated | N/A | Safe |
0 ppt ND - UCMR5 | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
0 ppt ND - UCMR5 | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
3
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
3
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Minneapolis's Water?
Utility Name
Minneapolis
EPA System ID (PWSID)
MN1270024
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
425K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Minneapolis tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
Saint Paul Regional
Very Hard water
Rochester
Very Hard water
Bloomington
Very Hard water
Brooklyn Park
Very Hard water
Duluth
Moderate water
Woodbury
Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: City of Minneapolis Water Treatment & Distribution 2024 Annual Water Quality Report (2024) • View report