Is Hilltop, 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 ↓
85.9/100
waterverge.com Hilltop, MN — Water Quality Report
Hilltop'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 880 residents using purchased 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Hilltop's water
Hilltop ranks #337 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average 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, Hilltop may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hilltop, MN water safe to drink?
Hilltop'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 880 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hilltop
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hilltop's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1370). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hilltop's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hilltop's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Anoka County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Mississippi River, Sand Creek, Coon Creek, Rice Creek, Shingle Creek.
Where does Hilltop's water come from?
Hilltop's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 880 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River (river), Sand Creek (river), Coon Creek (river), Rice Creek (river), Shingle Creek (river).
What Hilltop 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.
Hilltop'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 Hilltop
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hilltop, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 6 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BELL LUMBER & POLE CO. NEW BRIGHTON, MN55112 | Pentachlorophenol | 4 | 2.6 mi |
PROSPECT FOUNDRY LLC MINNEAPOLIS, MN55413 | Copper | 2 | 4.2 mi |
OWENS CORNING ROOFING & ASPHALT LLC MINNEAPOLIS, MN55430 | Polycyclic aromatic compounds | 0 | 2.8 mi |
UNIVAR SOLUTIONS USA SAINT PAUL, MN55130 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
CO-OPERATIVE PLATING CO SAINT PAUL, MN55104 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Hilltop
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- KURT MANUFACTURING CO1.2 mi
- NAVAL INDUSTRIAL RESERVE ORDNANCE PLANT1.2 mi
- FMC CORP FRIDLEY PLANT1.3 mi
- MACGILLIS GIBBS CO BELL LUMBER POLE CO2.7 mi
- NEW BRIGHTON ARDEN HILLS TCAAP USARMY3.1 mi
+ 7 more sites
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Anoka County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Hilltop compares by contaminant
Explore where Hilltop ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hilltop's water comes from
Hilltop'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 880 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hilltop
Hilltop is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Hilltop
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilltop | MN1020033 | 880 | SWP |
How Hilltop compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Hilltop'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 Hilltop, MN
Wikipedia →Hilltop is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 958 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hilltop's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Anoka
Frequently asked questions
Is Hilltop, MN tap water safe to drink?
Hilltop'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 #337 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Hilltop's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Hilltop'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 Hilltop?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hilltop's water come from?
Hilltop's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 880 residents.
How does Hilltop's water compare to other cities?
Hilltop ranks #337 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 28% of state cities) and #5045 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 Hilltop's small water system affect quality?
Hilltop's system serves approximately 880 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 1 violation on record.