Minnesota has community water systems (CWS) that serve approximately 80% of Minnesota residents. Water from
these systems can come from groundwater (water found in underground aquifers, the pores between sand, clay, and rock)
or from surface sources (rivers, lakes, and streams). Most systems use groundwater from underground sources tapped by
wells. Though most systems get water from groundwater, about one-fourth of the state's residents drink water that comes
from surface water systems.
For more information, visit MN Public Health Data Access: Drinking
Water Quality.
Data Notes
- These data are limited to active community water systems in Minnesota, which are
public water systems that serve 15 or more locations or 25 or more people year-round in Minnesota.
- Water systems are not mapped to their actual locations. They are mapped in their
general vicinity, but their actual coordinates are not mapped in this application.
- The accuracy of the population served information is unknown. Water systems derive
population estimates using census estimates, number of water connections, or other means. System population is a
current estimate, so population-based estimates for past years may be inaccurate (likely over-estimated).
Historical information on population served is not available.
- To query and download data, please visit the
"Community Water Systems Query" page.
- For additional information pertaining to the data, please visit the
"About the Drinking Water Quality Data" page.
Data Sources
- Minnesota Department of Health Drinking Water Protection Section