Is Hinckley, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Hinckley ranks. What to do next ↓
93.9/100
waterverge.com Hinckley, MN — Water Quality Report
Hinckley's drinking water received a grade of A (93.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,964 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 13 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Hinckley's water
Hinckley ranks #85 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Hinckley 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, Hinckley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hinckley, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Hinckley's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (93.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,964 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hinckley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hinckley's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4390). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hinckley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hinckley's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Pine County has experienced 8 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 Kettle River Below Sandstone.
Where does Hinckley's water come from?
Hinckley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,964 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kettle River Below Sandstone (river).
What Hinckley 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.
Hinckley'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 Hinckley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hinckley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION SANDSTONE, MN55072 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Pine County has experienced 8 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 Hinckley compares by contaminant
Explore where Hinckley ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hinckley's water comes from
Hinckley'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 1,964 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hinckley
Hinckley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hinckley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinckley | MN1580005 | 1,964 | GW |
How Hinckley compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Hinckley's score of 93.9/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Hinckley, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hinckley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pine
Frequently asked questions
Is Hinckley, MN tap water safe to drink?
Hinckley's water quality earned a grade of A (93.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #85 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Hinckley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Hinckley'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 Hinckley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hinckley's water come from?
Hinckley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,964 residents.
What health violations has Hinckley's water system had?
Hinckley has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Hinckley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hinckley 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 13 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 Hinckley's water compare to other cities?
Hinckley ranks #85 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 82% of state cities) and #678 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hinckley's small water system affect quality?
Hinckley's system serves approximately 1,964 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 13 violations on record.