Is Pine City, 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 ↓
84.2/100
waterverge.com Pine City, MN — Water Quality Report
Pine City's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,663 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 14 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pine City's water
Pine City ranks #372 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pine City 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pine City, MN water safe to drink?
Pine City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,663 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pine City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pine City's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4390). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pine City'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
Pine City's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pine County has experienced 8 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. Local water sources include Snake River.
Where does Pine City's water come from?
Pine City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,663 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Snake River (river).
What Pine City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pine City'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.
Pine City'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
Pine County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pine City'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. | 1.51 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pine City compares by contaminant
Explore where Pine City ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pine City's water comes from
Pine City'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 3,663 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Pine City
Pine City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pine City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine City | MN1580008 | 3,458 | GW |
| Cross Lake Housing Development | MN1580023 | 150 | GW |
| Pokegama Estates Community Well | MN1580016 | 55 | GW |
How Pine City compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Pine City's score of 84.2/100 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 Pine City, MN
Wikipedia →Pine City is a city in and the county seat of Pine County, in east central Minnesota, United States. The population was 3,130 at the 2020 census. Part of the city is on the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation. Founded as a railway town, it soon became a logging community and the surrounding lakes made it a resort town. Today, it is in part a commuter town for people working in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pine City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pine
Frequently asked questions
Is Pine City, MN tap water safe to drink?
Pine City's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #372 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Pine City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Pine City'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 Pine City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pine City's water come from?
Pine City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,663 residents.
What health violations has Pine City's water system had?
Pine City has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pine City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pine City 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 14 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 Pine City's water compare to other cities?
Pine City ranks #372 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 20% of state cities) and #6039 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.