A92/100
St. Paul Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 402,729 residents · Minnesota
What's In St. Paul's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.008 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Missed required monitoring deadline
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: April 1, 2023 – April 30, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Other Violation
When: January 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: April 1, 2022 – April 30, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
Little Canada
Population Served
10,200
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MN1620005
Saint Paul Regional Water Services
Population Served
392,529
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MN1620026
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Paul Water
Is St. Paul tap water safe to drink?
St. Paul, Minnesota tap water receives a grade of A (92/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 76 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 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 St. Paul's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in St. Paul's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does St. Paul have any water quality violations?
Yes, St. Paul has 13 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MR, Other. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in St. Paul?
St. Paul water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does St. Paul's tap water come from?
St. Paul's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by Little Canada and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 402,729 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is 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. 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 St. Paul's water compare to other cities in Minnesota?
St. Paul's water quality score of 92/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places St. Paul among the better-performing water systems in Minnesota. Visit our Minnesota state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about St. Paul's water quality?
If you have concerns about 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 (Little Canada) 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.