Is Aitkin, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Aitkin, MN — Water Quality Report
Aitkin's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,165 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 10 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Aitkin's water
Aitkin ranks #243 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Aitkin relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Aitkin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Aitkin, MN water safe to drink?
Aitkin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,165 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Aitkin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Aitkin's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4390). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Tetrachloroethylene.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Aitkin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Aitkin's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Aitkin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Mississippi River, Mississippi River Diversion.
Where does Aitkin's water come from?
Aitkin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,165 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River (river), Mississippi River Diversion (river).
What Aitkin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Aitkin's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Aitkin's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtAitkin County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Aitkin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 4.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Aitkin compares by contaminant
Explore where Aitkin ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Aitkin's water comes from
Aitkin's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,165 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Aitkin
Aitkin is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Aitkin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aitkin | MN1010001 | 2,165 | GW |
How Aitkin compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Aitkin's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Aitkin, MN
Wikipedia →Aitkin is a city in and the county seat of Aitkin County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 2,168 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Aitkin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Aitkin
Frequently asked questions
Is Aitkin, MN tap water safe to drink?
Aitkin's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #243 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Aitkin's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Aitkin's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Aitkin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Aitkin's water come from?
Aitkin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,165 residents.
What health violations has Aitkin's water system had?
Aitkin has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Aitkin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Aitkin uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 10 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Aitkin's water compare to other cities?
Aitkin ranks #243 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 48% of state cities) and #2972 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Aitkin's small water system affect quality?
Aitkin's system serves approximately 2,165 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 10 violations on record.