Is Gilbert, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.6/100
waterverge.com Gilbert, MN — Water Quality Report
Gilbert's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,871 residents using groundwater.
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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gilbert's water
Gilbert ranks #323 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Gilbert 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, Gilbert may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gilbert, MN water safe to drink?
Gilbert's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,871 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gilbert
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gilbert's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gilbert's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gilbert's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Where does Gilbert's water come from?
Gilbert's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,871 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sand River (river).
What Gilbert 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 Gilbert
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gilbert, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DYNO NOBEL INC BIWABIK, MN55708 | — | — | 5.8 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 Gilbert compares by contaminant
Explore where Gilbert ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gilbert's water comes from
Gilbert'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 1,871 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Gilbert
Gilbert is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gilbert
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert | MN1690020 | 1,829 | GW |
| Lakeland Terrace Mobile Home Park | MN1690063 | 42 | GW |
How Gilbert compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Gilbert's score of 86.6/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Gilbert, MN
Wikipedia →Gilbert is a city in St. Louis County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,687 at the 2020 census. State Highway 37 and State Highway 135 are two of the main routes in Gilbert. Gilbert is part of the Quad Cities, with Virginia, Eveleth, and Mountain Iron. The city is named for either Giles Gilbert, who led the exploration of the McKinley mine property in the 1890s, or E. A. Gilbert, a Duluth businessman.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gilbert's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Louis
Frequently asked questions
Is Gilbert, MN tap water safe to drink?
Gilbert's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #323 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Gilbert's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Gilbert'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 Gilbert?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gilbert's water come from?
Gilbert's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,871 residents.
Is Gilbert's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gilbert 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 3 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 Gilbert's water compare to other cities?
Gilbert ranks #323 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 31% of state cities) and #4606 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.