Tap Water Results

Is Faribault, MN tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

Faribault Water System had lead above the action level in some homes sampled.

Is it an emergency? No: these findings are about longer-term exposure, and nothing in EPA's data calls for you to stop drinking the water today. If your utility issues a boil-water or do-not-drink notice, follow it.

Faribault Water System supplies Faribault (23,718 people).

Water system

Faribault Water System

23,718 people · Groundwater · EPA ID MN1660002

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 19 ppb at the 90th percentile (Nov 2026, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Above action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Across Minnesota, 10 of 197 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 7 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Minnesota results.

Faribault homes and lead pipes

59%
of homes built before 1980 (Minnesota 52%, US 50%)
27%
built before 1950 (Minnesota 20%)
34%
of households rent (Minnesota 28%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Faribault city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Owatonna 15 mi
Owatonna Water System
Owatonna Water SystemNone above limits2 ppb
Lakeville 26 mi
Lakeville Water System
Lakeville Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Prior Lake 30 mi
Prior Lake Water System
Prior Lake Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Apple Valley 31 mi
Saint Paul Regional Water Services
Saint Paul Regional Water ServicesNone above limits10 ppb
Savage 32 mi
Savage Water System
Savage Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Burnsville 32 mi
Burnsville Water System
Burnsville Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Faribault ZIP codes (1)
  • 55021

Questions

Is Faribault tap water safe to drink?

Faribault Water System has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Faribault, MN?

Faribault Water System, which serves 23,718 people.

Does Faribault tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Faribault Water System had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Faribault homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 59% of Faribault homes as built before 1980 (Minnesota: 52%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Faribault Water System's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.