Is Moose Lake, 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 ↓
83.8/100
waterverge.com Moose Lake, MN — Water Quality Report
Moose Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,997 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 29 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Moose Lake's water
Moose Lake ranks #377 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Moose Lake 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, Moose Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Moose Lake, MN water safe to drink?
Moose Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,997 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Moose Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Moose Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Methoxychlor, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Simazine.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4390). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Moose Lake'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
Moose Lake's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carlton County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Moose Lake's water come from?
Moose Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,997 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Moose Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Moose Lake'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.
Moose Lake'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
Carlton County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Moose Lake'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. | 2.0 | 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. | 1.37 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Moose Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Moose Lake ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Moose Lake's water comes from
Moose Lake'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 2,997 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Moose Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moose Lake | MN1090009 | 1,782 | GW |
| MN Correctional Facility - Moose Lake | MN1090010 | 975 | GW |
| MN Correctional Facility - Willow River | MN1580014 | 240 | GW |
How Moose Lake compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Moose Lake's score of 83.8/100 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 Moose Lake, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Moose Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carlton
Frequently asked questions
Is Moose Lake, MN tap water safe to drink?
Moose Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #377 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Moose Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Moose Lake'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 Moose Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Moose Lake's water come from?
Moose Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,997 residents.
What health violations has Moose Lake's water system had?
Moose Lake has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Moose Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Moose Lake 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 29 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 Moose Lake's water compare to other cities?
Moose Lake ranks #377 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 19% of state cities) and #6261 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.