Is Isle, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.4/100
waterverge.com Isle, MN — Water Quality Report
Isle's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 845 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 26 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Isle's water
Isle ranks #419 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
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, Isle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Isle, MN water safe to drink?
Isle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 845 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Isle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Isle's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3242). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Isle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Isle's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mille Lacs County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Isle's water come from?
Isle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 845 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Isle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Isle'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.
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 Isle
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Isle, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CEMSTONE - ISLE ISLE, MN56342 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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
Mille Lacs County has experienced 7 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 Isle compares by contaminant
Explore where Isle ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Isle's water comes from
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 845 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Isle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isle | MN1480001 | 820 | GW |
| Why-Not Park | MN1010019 | 25 | GW |
How Isle compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Isle's score of 80.4/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Isle, MN
Wikipedia →Isle is a city in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 803 at the 2020 census, up from 751 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Isle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mille Lacs
Frequently asked questions
Is Isle, MN tap water safe to drink?
Isle's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #419 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Isle's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is 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 Isle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Isle's water come from?
Isle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 845 residents.
What health violations has Isle's water system had?
Isle has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Isle's groundwater at risk of contamination?
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 26 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 Isle's water compare to other cities?
Isle ranks #419 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 10% of state cities) and #7892 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.