Is Proctor, 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 ↓
87/100
waterverge.com Proctor, MN — Water Quality Report
Proctor's drinking water received a grade of A- (87 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,099 residents using purchased surface water.
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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Proctor's water
Proctor ranks #308 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Proctor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Proctor, MN water safe to drink?
Proctor's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,099 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Proctor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Proctor's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Proctor's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Proctor's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Proctor's water come from?
Proctor's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,099 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Nemadji River (river).
What Proctor 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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Proctor
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Proctor, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 27 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ME GLOBAL INC DULUTH, MN55808 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 27 | 5.1 mi |
PRIMARY PRODUCTS INGREDIENTS AMERICAS LLC - DULUTH DULUTH, MN55808 | — | — | 2.6 mi |
COMPASS MINERALS AMERICA INC DULUTH, MN55802 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
HIBBARD RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER DULUTH, MN55807 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
ALTEC INDUSTRIES INC. DULUTH, MN55802 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Proctor
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ST LOUIS RIVER SITE4.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Proctor compares by contaminant
Explore where Proctor ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Proctor's water comes from
Proctor's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,099 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Proctor
Proctor is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Proctor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proctor | MN1690042 | 3,099 | SWP |
How Proctor compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Proctor's score of 87/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Proctor, MN
Wikipedia →Proctor is a city in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, United States. Established in 1894, the town was named after former Kentucky Governor J. Proctor Knott. It is part of the Duluth Metropolitan Area. The population was 3,120 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Proctor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Louis
Frequently asked questions
Is Proctor, MN tap water safe to drink?
Proctor's water quality earned a grade of A- (87/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #308 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Proctor's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Proctor'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 Proctor?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Proctor's water come from?
Proctor's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,099 residents.
How does Proctor's water compare to other cities?
Proctor ranks #308 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 34% of state cities) and #4325 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Proctor's small water system affect quality?
Proctor's system serves approximately 3,099 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 3 violations on record.