PFAS in Alexandria, MN Drinking Water: What Residents Need to Know
What Are PFAS — “Forever Chemicals”?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — a family of more than 4,000 synthetic chemicals used in manufacturing since the 1940s. You’ll find them in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foam. They’re called forever chemicals because they don’t break down in the environment or in the human body.
The two most studied types are PFOS and PFOA. Long-term exposure has been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, immune system disruption, elevated cholesterol, liver damage, and developmental problems in children and infants. In 2024 the EPA set enforceable limits at 4 parts per trillion — the lowest detectable threshold.
What’s Happening in Alexandria, MN
✓⃝ Two of ALP’s nine wells have tested above EPA limits.
✓⃝ These wells are used mainly during peak summer demand.
✓⃝ Treated water is diluted with unaffected wells to stay within enforced limits.
✓⃝ ALP raised water rates 15% in 2025.
✓⃝ $1.6 million budgeted for PFAS/PFOS mitigation.
✓⃝ No permanent fix completion date has been announced
✓⃝ Alexandria is part of a class action lawsuit against 3M and DuPont – the companies linked to PFAS contamination across Minnesota.
PFAS in Alexandria’s Lakes Too
PFAS contamination has also been detected in carp in Lake Winona, right in Alexandria. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Department of Natural Resources routinely test lakes and rivers for PFAS, and the Alexandria area is among those being monitored.
What Can Alexandria Residents Do Right Now?
1. Switch to Bottled Water Delivery
The EPA lists bottled water as one of the recommended options for households wanting to avoid PFAS exposure while municipal systems upgrade. Northstar Bottled Water Solutions delivers purified, reverse osmosis-filtered water — PFAS-free — directly to Alexandria homes and businesses. Free delivery, no contracts. New customers receive their first five 5-gallon bottles free.
2. Install a Reverse Osmosis Filter
Point-of-use reverse osmosis systems installed under the kitchen sink can reduce PFAS at the tap. They treat water at the point of consumption and require filter replacement every 6–12 months.
3. Use NSF-Certified Activated Carbon Filters
High-quality filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58 can reduce some PFAS. Standard pitcher filters like Brita do not remove PFAS.
How Northstar Water Protects Against PFAS
Northstar Bottled Water Solutions sources its water from a deep natural well in Central Minnesota. The water undergoes reverse osmosis filtration and/or distillation before bottling — both processes recognized by the EPA as effective for removing PFAS. No chemicals or artificial minerals are added.
- Free delivery to Alexandria homes and businesses
- 5-gallon, 3-gallon, and 1-gallon bottle sizes
- Water dispensers and coolers for rent or purchase
- No contracts, no minimums
- First 5 five-gallon bottles FREE for new customers
- Family-owned, serving Central Minnesota since 2003
Call Northstar Water at (320) 491-6354 to start your Alexandria delivery — Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Alexandria MN Drinking Water FAQs
Is Alexandria, MN tap water safe to drink?
ALP Utilities states the water currently meets enforced standards because the affected wells are diluted with clean water from other sources. However, Alexandria’s water has tested above the EPA’s updated 4 parts per trillion PFAS guideline. Residents who are pregnant, have young children, or are immunocompromised may wish to use a filtered or bottled water alternative.
Which wells in Alexandria are affected by PFAS?
Two of ALP’s nine wells near North Nokomis have tested positive for PFAS above EPA limits. These wells are primarily used during high-demand summer months.
When will Alexandria fix its PFAS water problem?
ALP Utilities has budgeted $1.6 million for PFAS/PFOS mitigation and is participating in a class action settlement against 3M and DuPont. No firm public completion date has been announced.
Does Northstar bottled water contain PFAS?
No. Northstar Water is sourced from a deep natural well and filtered through reverse osmosis and/or distillation — both recognized by the EPA as effective methods for removing PFAS. No chemicals are added.
Does reverse osmosis remove PFAS from drinking water?
Yes. Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective filtration methods for removing PFAS. It forces water through a semipermeable membrane that blocks PFAS molecules. The EPA includes reverse osmosis among its recommended treatment approaches.
Is PFAS contamination only in Alexandria's tap water, or also in local lakes?
Both. PFAS has been detected in carp in Lake Winona in Alexandria. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency actively monitors PFAS in the state’s lakes and rivers.
What health problems are linked to PFAS?
Research has linked long-term PFAS exposure to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, liver damage, immune system disruption, and developmental issues in children and infants.
How do I start PFAS-free water delivery in Alexandria?
Call Northstar Bottled Water Solutions at (320) 491-6354. New customers receive their first five 5-gallon bottles free.
Ready to get started in Alexandria?
Call Northstar Water or fill out the online form. New customers receive their first 5 five-gallon bottles FREE plus a free 3-month water cooler rental.