Is Grand Portage, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
35/100
waterverge.com Grand Portage, MN — Water Quality Report
Grand Portage's drinking water received a grade of F (35 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 820 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 28.5 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 513 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grand Portage's water
Grand Portage ranks #466 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Grand Portage may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 263 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grand Portage, MN water safe to drink?
Grand Portage's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (35/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 820 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Grand Portage
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grand Portage's water quality assessment. Grade: F (35/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4659). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grand Portage's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Grand Portage's water system has 513 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved. 263 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cook County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Pigeon River, Grand Portage River.
Where does Grand Portage's water come from?
Grand Portage's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 820 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pigeon River (river), Grand Portage River (river).
What Grand Portage residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grand Portage'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.
Grand Portage'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
Flood & disaster history
Cook County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Grand Portage's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 28.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Grand Portage compares by contaminant
Explore where Grand Portage ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grand Portage's water comes from
Grand Portage'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 820 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Grand Portage
Grand Portage is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Grand Portage
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAND PORTAGE | 055294101 | 820 | SW |
How Grand Portage compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Grand Portage's score of 35/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →ZIP codes served by Grand Portage
The water system serving Grand Portage covers 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grand Portage's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Portage, MN tap water safe to drink?
Grand Portage's water quality earned a grade of F (35/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #466 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Grand Portage's water?
Lead was measured at 28.5 ppb (90th percentile). 513 violations are on record.
How is Grand Portage'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 Grand Portage?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grand Portage's water come from?
Grand Portage's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 820 residents.
What health violations has Grand Portage's water system had?
Grand Portage has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 57 violations remain unresolved.
How does Grand Portage's water compare to other cities?
Grand Portage ranks #466 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 0% of state cities) and #15544 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Grand Portage's small water system affect quality?
Grand Portage's system serves approximately 820 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 513 violations on record.