Tap Water Results

Is Owatonna, 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 Owatonna Water System.

Owatonna Water System supplies Owatonna (26,430 people).

Water system

Owatonna Water System

26,430 people · Groundwater · EPA ID MN1740007

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: 2 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2025, 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.

Owatonna homes and lead pipes

54%
of homes built before 1980 (Minnesota 52%, US 50%)
17%
built before 1950 (Minnesota 20%)
24%
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. How to check your own line.

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

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Faribault 15 mi
Faribault Water System
Faribault Water SystemNone above limits19 ppb
Mankato 37 mi
Mankato Water System
Mankato Water SystemNone above limits2 ppb
Rochester 38 mi
Rochester Water System
Rochester Water SystemNone above limits7 ppb
Lakeville 40 mi
Lakeville Water System
Lakeville Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Prior Lake 45 mi
Prior Lake Water System
Prior Lake Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Apple Valley 45 mi
Saint Paul Regional Water Services
Saint Paul Regional Water ServicesNone above limits10 ppb
Owatonna ZIP codes (1)
  • 55060

Questions

Is Owatonna tap water safe to drink?

Owatonna 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 Owatonna, MN?

Owatonna Water System, which serves 26,430 people.

Does Owatonna tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Owatonna 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 Owatonna homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 54% of Owatonna 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. Owatonna 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.