Brainerd Lakes Water Quality
What Homeowners Need to Know
Water quality is at the top of many Minnesota homeowners’ minds thanks to PFAS, nitrate, and phosphorus hitting both our water supply and the headlines. Whether you’re a full-time Brainerd, MN resident or a seasonal cabin owner, it’s crucial to understand your home’s water quality for the health and safety of your family.
At Schroeder’s, we’re proud to be the Brainerd Lakes area’s go-to water quality experts. With over 60 years of trusted local service, we have deep experience with our local water supply. We’ve dug into the facts surrounding our local water quality issues, and we offer home water quality tests and a variety of solutions for interested homeowners and cabin owners. To learn more about the issues that plague water quality in Brainerd, MN, read on!
What’s in Your Water? Brainerd Drinking Water Explained
To answer the basic question: “Is Brainerd water safe to drink?” According to the most recent Brainerd Drinking Water Report, yes. Brainerd’s municipal water was tested for over 100 contaminants, and only two showed higher than acceptable levels: copper and TTHMs, or trihalomethanes. Lead, nitrate, chlorine, and PFAS contaminants are all below Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, meaning as a whole, Brainerd residents can feel safe about the water they drink.
Copper
About those two red flags: copper and TTHM. Brainerd’s copper level doesn’t automatically mean the water is unsafe, but it does require the city to investigate, implement corrosion control, and notify utility customers. Health risks associated with copper exposure include an upset stomach and nausea.
TTHMs
Brainerd’s water only showed a slight exceedance of TTHMs, which doesn’t translate to any immediate health emergencies. But long-term exposure to these chemicals—which are the byproducts of disinfection products—has been linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and possible effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, with a higher risk for pregnant women.
Beyond these contaminants in the city water supply, common Brainerd water quality issues include water hardness, iron in well water, and seasonal fluctuations due to snowmelt and runoff.
Water Hardness
Brainerd’s water is considered harder than average, earning a “very hard” rating thanks to its 244 mg/L average hardness. For context, the threshold for very hard water is 180 mg/L. This means that Brainerd area residents commonly deal with water spots, soap scum, mineral buildup in appliances, and a general “unclean” feeling after washing hands or bathing.
Well Water in Brainerd, MN
Because many rural homes rely on water that’s drawn from a different source—commonly a well—than city homes, their water quality considerations are different. Unlike with city water, well water isn’t regularly tested by professionals, and if testing is performed, the scheduling and costs are up to the homeowner.
Signs of Bad Well Water: What to Watch For
Homeowners who rely on well water should familiarize themselves with the symptoms that indicate their water has gone “off,” such as rust stains, cloudy or metallic-tasting water, or a sulfurous smell, to name a few. High iron levels are common in well water.
Well Water Testing
Well water testing in Brainerd, MN should be performed about every year, especially for contaminants like coliform bacteria and nitrate. Other contaminants, like arsenic, lead, and manganese, should be tested for at least once.
Schroeder’s has decades of water treatment experience, from on-site testing to filtration system installation. Call us to schedule your water test!
Water Treatment Options in Brainerd, MN
There are many reasons a homeowner may choose to install a water filtration system in their home. From addressing those copper and TTHM levels in public water to preventing iron from leeching into well water, Schroeder’s offers a variety of solutions.
Whole-Home Water Filtration
If you’re worried about consistent exposure to contaminants, a whole-home filter is a great choice. It intercepts water before it reaches your kitchen sink, bathroom showerhead, or appliances, so water throughout your home is clean and purified. The result is safer water, softer hair and skin, and longer appliance life.
Under-Sink Water Filtration
Point-of-use filters like under-sink water filtration systems are a good option if you’re only concerned about water at certain locations, like the kitchen sink.
Water Softening
Brainerd’s exceptionally hard water can be solved by installing a water softener. Schroeder’s specializes in water softener installation, repair, and maintenance. Once your system is in place, remember to top it off with salt every 4-8 weeks to enjoy softer hair and skin, longer appliance life, and cleaner dishes.
Water Filtration for Cabins & Seasonal Homes
Many cabins rely on well water, which means you’ll want to consider a custom filtration setup that specifically treats iron-rich water. Seasonal homes also run into more water quality issues than year-round homes because they often sit unoccupied for weeks or months at a time.
Between the intermittent use and winter’s freezing temperatures, cabin maintenance on water systems is crucial. Have a plan in place for notifying and dealing with frozen pipes while you’re away, and when you return to the cabin, run the water in each tap for at least 30 seconds before using it. Schroeder’s can consult on a custom water filtration system that meets your needs as part of your cabin winterization process.
Why Choose Schroeder’s Home Services
With a local history stretching back to 1960, Schroeder’s has been a proud part of the Brainerd Lakes-area community for decades. As a locally owned and operated business, we’re very familiar with the water challenges faced by local homeowners and cabin owners. Our deep experience and innovative solutions combine with perks like financing, maintenance memberships, and emergency service to provide an excellent experience from start to finish. As Brainerd’s whole-home experts, we can handle everything from plumbing to heating to air quality and more. Give us a call to schedule your service!
Know Your Water, Protect Your Home
While Brainerd, MN’s water quality is generally considered safe, homeowners may want to consider water filtration to remove contaminants like copper, TTHMs, iron, and minerals that cause hardness. Schroeder’s can perform testing and recommend filtration and treatment options that are right for your home or cabin. Bring safe, pure, comfortable water into your home—call Schroeder’s to schedule your water test today!
