Is Hill City, 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 ↓
85.9/100
waterverge.com Hill City, MN — Water Quality Report
Hill City's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 633 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hill City's water
Hill City ranks #338 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hill City 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, Hill City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hill City, MN water safe to drink?
Hill City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 633 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hill City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hill City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4390). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hill City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hill City's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
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.
Where does Hill City's water come from?
Hill City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 633 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hill City 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.
Hill City'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Hill City compares by contaminant
Explore where Hill City ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hill City's water comes from
Hill City'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 633 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hill City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hill City | MN1010011 | 633 | GW |
How Hill City compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Hill City's score of 85.9/100 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 Hill City, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hill City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Aitkin
Frequently asked questions
Is Hill City, MN tap water safe to drink?
Hill City's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #338 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Hill City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Hill City'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 Hill City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hill City's water come from?
Hill City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 633 residents.
Is Hill City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hill City 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 2 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 Hill City's water compare to other cities?
Hill City ranks #338 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 27% of state cities) and #5051 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hill City's small water system affect quality?
Hill City's system serves approximately 633 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 2 violations on record.