Community Water Systems

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.