PFAS in Sauk Rapids, MN Drinking Water: What Residents Need to Know
What Are PFAS — “Forever Chemicals”?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals developed in the 1940s and used in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam. They’re called forever chemicals because they don’t break down in the environment or the body. Long-term exposure has been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, liver damage, weakened immune response, and developmental problems in children.
In 2024, the EPA set enforceable maximum contaminant levels for PFAS at 4 parts per trillion — the first time the federal government established hard limits for these chemicals.
What Happened in Sauk Rapids
Sauk Rapids is among 22 to 23 Minnesota water systems with PFAS above new EPA limits. When PFAS were detected in Sauk Rapids’ wells, the city made the difficult decision to shut down Wells #2 and #3 entirely — relegated to emergency-use only. The city also began construction on new Wells #7, #8, and #9 to replace lost supply, but this work is ongoing and the city is not yet back to full capacity.
Sauk Rapids City Administrator Ross Olson: “We’ve done what is right. We’ve done what we needed to do for the community and our citizens, and that’s to close the contaminated wells down.”
The city is seeking $3.5 million in state bonding money to fund the additional well drilling needed to restore full capacity.
What Sauk Rapids Is Doing — And What’s Still Unresolved
What the city has done:
- Shut down Wells #2 and #3 permanently
- Drilled a new replacement well and begun pumping to the treatment plant
- Initiated construction of additional wells to restore supply
- Applied for $3.5 million in state legislative bonding funds
What’s still unresolved:
- The city needs two more new wells to reach adequate supply
- State bonding funding is not yet confirmed
- Full water supply restoration has no confirmed completion date
What Can Sauk Rapids Residents Do Right Now?
1. Switch to Bottled Water Delivery
The EPA recommends bottled water as one of the primary short-term options for households seeking to avoid PFAS while municipal systems are upgraded. Northstar Bottled Water Solutions delivers purified, reverse osmosis-filtered, PFAS-free water to Sauk Rapids homes and businesses. Free delivery, no contracts. New customers receive their first five 5-gallon bottles free.
2. Install a Reverse Osmosis Filter Under Your Sink
Point-of-use reverse osmosis systems are among the most effective home filtration options for PFAS removal. Look for systems certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58. The City of Sauk Rapids itself recommends reverse osmosis as an effective method on its official PFAS information page.
3. Avoid Standard Water Softeners for PFAS
The City of Sauk Rapids explicitly notes that water softeners are not effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.
How Northstar Water Protects Against PFAS
Northstar Bottled Water Solutions draws water from a deep natural well in Central Minnesota — outside the contamination zones affecting the Sauk Rapids area. The water is filtered through reverse osmosis and/or distillation before bottling. Nothing added — no chemicals, no minerals.
- Free delivery to Sauk Rapids 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 Sauk Rapids delivery — Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Sauk Rapids MN Drinking Water FAQs
Is Sauk Rapids tap water safe to drink?
The City of Sauk Rapids states that water from its treatment plant is currently within federal maximum contaminant levels after shutting down the two contaminated wells. Residents who are pregnant, have young children, or are immunocompromised may prefer using reverse osmosis filtered or bottled water as a precaution.
Which wells in Sauk Rapids were contaminated with PFAS?
Wells #2 and #3 tested for elevated PFAS levels and have been permanently taken offline. The city has drilled new wells to replace supply and continues monitoring all active wells.
Why is Sauk Rapids asking for $3.5 million from the state?
The city needs to drill additional wells to restore the water supply capacity lost when Wells #2 and #3 were closed. Sauk Rapids is not eligible for the 2018 3M settlement funds that benefit east metro communities.
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 methods recognized by the EPA and the City of Sauk Rapids as effective for PFAS removal.
Does reverse osmosis remove PFAS from drinking water?
Yes. Reverse osmosis forces water through a membrane that blocks PFAS molecules. The EPA lists it as an effective treatment, and the City of Sauk Rapids specifically recommends it on its official PFAS FAQ page.
Does my water softener remove PFAS?
No. The City of Sauk Rapids explicitly states that water softeners are not effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.
When will Sauk Rapids fully resolve its PFAS water problem?
No firm completion date has been announced. The city is in active construction of new wells and seeking legislative funding. Federal compliance deadlines have been extended to 2031.
How do I start PFAS-free water delivery in Sauk Rapids?
Call Northstar at (320) 491-6354. New customers receive their first five 5-gallon bottles free and a 3-month free cooler rental.
Ready to get started in Sauk Rapids?
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.