C56/100
South St. Paul Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 20,664 residents · Minnesota
What's In South St. Paul's Tap Water?
63
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.008 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.008 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2020.
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
South Saint Paul
Population Served
20,664
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MN1190020
Frequently Asked Questions About South St. Paul Water
Is South St. Paul tap water safe to drink?
South St. Paul, Minnesota tap water receives a grade of C (56/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 9 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in South St. Paul's water?
Of the 63 contaminants tested in South St. Paul's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, 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 South St. Paul have any water quality violations?
Yes, South St. Paul has 9 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MCL, MR. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in South St. Paul?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in South St. Paul 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 South St. Paul's tap water come from?
South St. Paul's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by South Saint Paul. The system serves approximately 20,664 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is South St. Paul'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. South St. Paul'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 South St. Paul's water compare to other cities in Minnesota?
South St. Paul's water quality score of 56/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Minnesota state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about South St. Paul's water quality?
If you have concerns about South St. Paul'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 (South Saint Paul) 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.