Water Quality in Saint Paul, MN: No Violations - Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 11 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Saint Paul's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
A clean federal EPA record is what the data shows for Saint Paul, MN - 11 systems tracked across the full available compliance history, with no MCL exceedances, no unresolved monitoring gaps, and no enforcement proceedings documented at any stage.
Water Quality Map: Saint Paul, MN
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Saint Paul
Water quality varies across Saint Paul's 42 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55120 | D | 40 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55121 | D | 40 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55129 | D | 40 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55146 | D | 40 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55107 | D | 45 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55110 | D | 45 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55118 | D | 45 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55111 | D | 53 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55115 | D | 53 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55119 | D | 53 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55122 | D | 53 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55123 | D | 53 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55124 | D | 53 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55125 | D | 53 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 55128 | D | 53 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Saint Paul.
Water Quality Overview
Saint Paul, Minnesota receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 11 water systems serving Saint Paul. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants - some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Saint Paul'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
Lead testing data for Saint Paul is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 65% of homes built before 1986, Saint Paul 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
Saint Paul is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Saint Paul
Saint Paul is served by 11 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 817,295 people across 42 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 131 enforcement actions against water systems serving Saint Paul. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Saint Paul
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
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Saint Paul:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 | 8 |
| 2024 | 20 | 20 |
| 2025 | 32 | 32 |
Violations have increased from 8 in 2023 to 32 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Saint Paul. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2026-01-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2026-01-09 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2026-01-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2026-01-09 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-11-07 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-28 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-10-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2026-01-22.
Saint Paul vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Saint Paul's water quality compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Paul | D | 0 | 11 | 817,295 |
| Minneapolis | C | 69 | 7 | 1,131,257 |
| Rochester | C | 18 | 6 | 134,010 |
| Duluth | B | 0 | 2 | 118,632 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Saint Paul
Water quality varies across Saint Paul's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55120 | 40 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 55121 | 40 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 55129 | 40 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 55146 | 40 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 55107 | 45 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 55110 | 45 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 55118 | 45 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 55111 | 53 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 55115 | 53 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 55119 | 53 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 55127 | 63 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 55126 | 63 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 55117 | 63 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 55116 | 63 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 55114 | 63 | C | 0 | 0 |
Water quality scores in Saint Paul range from 40 to 63 - a spread of 23 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Saint Paul Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Saint Paul, Minnesota:
Is Saint Paul water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Saint Paul's 11 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Saint Paul tap water? Saint Paul's water receives a grade of D (54/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Saint Paul? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Saint Paul vs. Minnesota Average
Understanding how Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul.
ZIP Codes in Saint Paul
Saint Paul spans 42 ZIP codes. 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.