Is Lake Bronson, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Lake Bronson, MN — Water Quality Report
Lake Bronson's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,920 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Bronson's water
Lake Bronson ranks #379 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lake Bronson 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, Lake Bronson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Bronson, MN water safe to drink?
Lake Bronson's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,920 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Bronson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Bronson's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4659). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Bronson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Lake Bronson's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kittson 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 South Branch Two Rivers.
Where does Lake Bronson's water come from?
Lake Bronson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,920 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Branch Two Rivers (river).
What Lake Bronson 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.
Lake Bronson'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
Flood & disaster history
Kittson 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lake Bronson's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.95 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Lake Bronson compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Bronson ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Bronson's water comes from
Lake Bronson'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 2,920 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lake Bronson
Lake Bronson is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake Bronson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kittson Marshall Water | MN1350006 | 2,752 | GW |
| Lake Bronson | MN1350004 | 168 | GWP |
How Lake Bronson compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Lake Bronson's score of 83.5/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Lake Bronson, MN
Wikipedia →Lake Bronson is a city in Kittson County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 178 at the 2020 census. Lake Bronson State Park is nearby.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Bronson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kittson
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Bronson, MN tap water safe to drink?
Lake Bronson's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #379 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Lake Bronson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Lake Bronson'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 Lake Bronson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Bronson's water come from?
Lake Bronson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,920 residents.
Is Lake Bronson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Bronson 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 4 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 Lake Bronson's water compare to other cities?
Lake Bronson ranks #379 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 19% of state cities) and #6396 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.