B79/100
Lake Benton Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 13,644 residents · Minnesota
What's In Lake Benton's Tap Water?
52
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 2.49 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2015.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System
Population Served
13,644
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MN1410007
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Benton Water
Is Lake Benton tap water safe to drink?
Lake Benton, Minnesota tap water receives a grade of B (79/100), which is considered good. Out of 52 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Lake Benton's water?
Of the 52 contaminants tested in Lake Benton's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Lake Benton have any water quality violations?
Yes, Lake Benton has 6 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2015. Violation types include MR, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Lake Benton?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Lake Benton is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Lake Benton's tap water come from?
Lake Benton's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System. The system serves approximately 13,644 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Lake Benton's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Lake Benton's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Lake Benton's water compare to other cities in Minnesota?
Lake Benton's water quality score of 79/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Minnesota state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Lake Benton's water quality?
If you have concerns about Lake Benton's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.