Is Mountain Iron, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.8/100
waterverge.com Mountain Iron, MN — Water Quality Report
Mountain Iron's drinking water received a grade of A (93.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,880 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 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Mountain Iron's water
Mountain Iron ranks #89 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Mountain Iron 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, Mountain Iron may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mountain Iron, MN water safe to drink?
Mountain Iron's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,880 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mountain Iron
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mountain Iron's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mountain Iron's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mountain Iron's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Mountain Iron's water come from?
Mountain Iron's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,880 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sand River (river).
What Mountain Iron 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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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 Mountain Iron compares by contaminant
Explore where Mountain Iron ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mountain Iron's water comes from
Mountain Iron'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 2,880 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mountain Iron
Mountain Iron is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mountain Iron
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Iron | MN1690035 | 2,880 | GW |
How Mountain Iron compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Mountain Iron's score of 93.8/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Mountain Iron, MN
Wikipedia →Mountain Iron is a city in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, United States, in the heart of the Mesabi Range. The population was 2,878 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mountain Iron's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Louis
Frequently asked questions
Is Mountain Iron, MN tap water safe to drink?
Mountain Iron's water quality earned a grade of A (93.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #89 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Mountain Iron's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Mountain Iron'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 Mountain Iron?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mountain Iron's water come from?
Mountain Iron's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,880 residents.
Is Mountain Iron's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mountain Iron 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 Mountain Iron's water compare to other cities?
Mountain Iron ranks #89 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 81% of state cities) and #717 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 Mountain Iron's small water system affect quality?
Mountain Iron's system serves approximately 2,880 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.