Nitrate in Minnesota Drinking Water — 50 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for nitrate in Minnesota drinking water systems
Nitrate Contamination in Minnesota
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 1,009 ZIP codes in Minnesota for nitrate contamination. 50 ZIP codes have reported nitrate detections, and 20 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for nitrate in Minnesota is 2% of all ZIP codes — roughly in line with the national average.
EPA Standard for Nitrate
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate is 10 mg/L (as nitrogen), governed by the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.
Worst ZIP Codes for Nitrate in Minnesota
These ZIP codes reported the highest nitrate levels in Minnesota based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Nitrate Levels in Minnesota
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported nitrate detections in Minnesota:
Health Effects of Nitrate
How to Remove Nitrate From Drinking Water
The most effective treatment for nitrate removal is Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.
Check Your ZIP Code
Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see nitrate data for your specific water system in Minnesota.
Worst ZIP Codes for Nitrate in Minnesota
Ranked by highest nitrate detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 55602 | Brimson | 450 ppb | 10 ppb | Exceeds |
| 2 | 55750 | Hoyt Lakes | 450 ppb | 10 ppb | Exceeds |
| 3 | 56209 | Atwater | 10 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 4 | 55008 | Cambridge | 8.9 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 5 | 55979 | Utica | 8.9 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 6 | 55033 | Hastings | 8.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 7 | 55910 | Altura | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 8 | 56110 | Adrian | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 9 | 56115 | Balaton | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 10 | 56117 | Bigelow | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 11 | 56122 | Chandler | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 12 | 56129 | Ellsworth | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 13 | 56131 | Fulda | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 14 | 56132 | Garvin | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 15 | 56136 | Hendricks | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 16 | 56139 | Holland | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 17 | 56141 | Iona | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 18 | 56142 | Ivanhoe | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 19 | 56144 | Jasper | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 20 | 56147 | Kenneth | 7.5 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
Lowest Nitrate Levels in Minnesota
Cities with Nitrate Data in Minnesota
7 cities in Minnesota have nitrate testing data available.