Is Green Isle, 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 ↓
93.8/100
waterverge.com Green Isle, MN — Water Quality Report
Green Isle's drinking water received a grade of A (93.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 599 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 7 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Green Isle's water
Green Isle ranks #92 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Green Isle 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, Green Isle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Green Isle, MN water safe to drink?
Green Isle's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 599 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Green Isle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Green Isle's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Green Isle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Green Isle's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sibley County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 High Island Creek.
Where does Green Isle's water come from?
Green Isle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 599 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include High Island Creek (river).
What Green Isle 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.
Green Isle'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Green Isle
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Green Isle, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 36 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BONGARDS' CREAMERIES NORWOOD, MN55368 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 36 | 9.5 mi |
SCOTT EQUIPMENT CO ARLINGTON, MN55307 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
ADM ANIMAL NUTRITION GLENCOE, MN55336 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
KNIFE RIVER GLENCOE READY MIX GLENCOE, MN55336 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
PLATO WOODWORK INC PLATO, MN55370 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sibley County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Green Isle compares by contaminant
Explore where Green Isle ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Green Isle's water comes from
Green Isle'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 599 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Green Isle
Green Isle is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Green Isle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Isle | MN1720005 | 599 | GW |
How Green Isle compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Green Isle's score of 93.8/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Green Isle, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Green Isle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sibley
Frequently asked questions
Is Green Isle, MN tap water safe to drink?
Green Isle's water quality earned a grade of A (93.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #92 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Green Isle's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Green Isle'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 Green Isle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Green Isle's water come from?
Green Isle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 599 residents.
What health violations has Green Isle's water system had?
Green Isle has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2005. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Green Isle's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Green Isle 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 7 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 Green Isle's water compare to other cities?
Green Isle ranks #92 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 80% of state cities) and #735 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Green Isle's small water system affect quality?
Green Isle's system serves approximately 599 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 7 violations on record.