Water Quality in Pelican Rapids, MN: 19 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 40/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Pelican Rapids's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for Pelican Rapids, MN, the record shows 19 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Pelican Rapids
Water quality varies across Pelican Rapids's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56572 | D | 40 | 19 | 17 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Pelican Rapids.
Water Quality Overview
Pelican Rapids, Minnesota receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 40 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Pelican Rapids have accumulated 19 EPA violations, including 17 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,642 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Pelican Rapids's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Pelican Rapids water systems is 0.0070 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 53% of homes built before 1986, Pelican Rapids has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Pelican Rapids is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Pelican Rapids
Pelican Rapids is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,642 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Pelican Rapids. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Pelican Rapids
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Pelican Rapids Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Pelican Rapids's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 17 | 1 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Pelican Rapids:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2021 to 3 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Pelican Rapids. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-10-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-10 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-10 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-10 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-10-27.
Pelican Rapids vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Pelican Rapids's water quality compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelican Rapids | D | 19 | 3 | 2,642 |
| Osseo | C | 0 | 1 | 2,650 |
| Spicer | C | 0 | 3 | 2,596 |
| Hawley | B | 0 | 3 | 2,592 |
Common Questions About Pelican Rapids Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota:
Is Pelican Rapids water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Pelican Rapids's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Pelican Rapids tap water? Pelican Rapids's water receives a grade of D (40/100). There are 17 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Pelican Rapids? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Pelican Rapids vs. Minnesota Average
Understanding how Pelican Rapids compares to the broader Minnesota average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Pelican Rapids.
ZIP Codes in Pelican Rapids
Pelican Rapids spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 56572. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.