Tap Water Results

Is Moorhead, MN tap water safe?

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

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Moorhead Water System. 1 PFAS were detected below the limits.

Moorhead Water System supplies Moorhead (44,583 people).

Water system

Moorhead Water System

44,583 people · Surface water · EPA ID MN1140008

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: 9 ppb at the 90th percentile (Jun 2026, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below 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.

Moorhead homes and lead pipes

48%
of homes built before 1980 (Minnesota 52%, US 50%)
9%
built before 1950 (Minnesota 20%)
42%
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 Moorhead city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
St. Cloud 153 mi
Saint Cloud Water System
Saint Cloud Water SystemNone above limits3 ppb
Elk River 183 mi
Elk River Water System
Elk River Water SystemNone above limits2 ppb
Ramsey 191 mi
Ramsey Water System
Ramsey Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Andover 195 mi
Andover Water System
Andover Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Maple Grove 196 mi
Maple Grove Water System
Maple Grove Water SystemNone above limits2 ppb
Coon Rapids 200 mi
Coon Rapids Water System
Coon Rapids Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Moorhead ZIP codes (3)
  • 56560
  • 56562
  • 56563

Questions

Is Moorhead tap water safe to drink?

Moorhead 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 Moorhead, MN?

Moorhead Water System, which serves 44,583 people.

Does Moorhead tap water have PFAS?

Moorhead Water System had 1 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.

Do Moorhead homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 48% of Moorhead 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. Moorhead 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.