Is Marble, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Marble ranks. What to do next ↓
96.3/100
waterverge.com Marble, MN — Water Quality Report
Marble's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 699 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 5 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Marble's water
Marble ranks #37 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Marble 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, Marble may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Marble, MN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Marble's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.3/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 699 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Marble
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Marble's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4390). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Marble's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Marble's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Itasca County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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 Prairie River.
Where does Marble's water come from?
Marble's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 699 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Prairie River (river).
What Marble 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.
Marble'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 droughtItasca 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
Itasca County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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 Marble compares by contaminant
Explore where Marble ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Marble's water comes from
Marble'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 699 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Marble
Marble is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Marble
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marble | MN1310023 | 699 | GW |
How Marble compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Marble's score of 96.3/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Marble, MN
Wikipedia →Marble is a city in Itasca County, Minnesota, United States. It is part of the chain of small mining towns known as the Iron Range. The population was 610 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Marble's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Itasca
Frequently asked questions
Is Marble, MN tap water safe to drink?
Marble's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #37 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Marble's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Marble'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 Marble?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Marble's water come from?
Marble's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 699 residents.
What health violations has Marble's water system had?
Marble has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2009. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Marble's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Marble 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 5 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 Marble's water compare to other cities?
Marble ranks #37 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 92% of state cities) and #200 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Marble's small water system affect quality?
Marble's system serves approximately 699 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 5 violations on record.