Is Biwabik, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Biwabik, MN — Water Quality Report
Biwabik's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 975 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 4 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Biwabik's water
Biwabik ranks #222 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Biwabik may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Biwabik, MN water safe to drink?
Biwabik's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 975 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Biwabik
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Biwabik's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Biwabik's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Biwabik's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Where does Biwabik's water come from?
Biwabik's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 975 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Biwabik residents can do
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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Biwabik
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Biwabik, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DYNO NOBEL INC BIWABIK, MN55708 | — | — | 2.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Biwabik compares by contaminant
Explore where Biwabik ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Biwabik's water comes from
Biwabik's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 975 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Biwabik
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biwabik | MN1690004 | 975 | SW |
How Biwabik compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Biwabik's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Biwabik, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Biwabik's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Louis
Frequently asked questions
Is Biwabik, MN tap water safe to drink?
Biwabik's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #222 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Biwabik's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Biwabik'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 Biwabik?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Biwabik's water come from?
Biwabik's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 975 residents.
What health violations has Biwabik's water system had?
Biwabik has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Biwabik's water compare to other cities?
Biwabik ranks #222 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 52% of state cities) and #2600 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Biwabik's small water system affect quality?
Biwabik's system serves approximately 975 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 4 violations on record.