Is Red Lake, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 29 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Red Lake, MN — Water Quality Report
Red Lake's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,470 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 219 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Red Lake's water
Red Lake ranks #458 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Red 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, Red Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 96 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Red Lake, MN water safe to drink?
Red Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,470 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Red Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Red Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4659). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Red Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Red Lake's water system has 219 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 96 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Beltrami County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Red Lake's water come from?
Red Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,470 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Red Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Red 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.
Red 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
Beltrami County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Red Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Red Lake ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Red Lake's water comes from
Red 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 native american ownership and serves approximately 2,470 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Red Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| REDBY/RED LAKE | 055294602 | 2,099 | GW |
| PONEMAH | 055294603 | 371 | GW |
How Red Lake compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Red Lake's score of 50/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →ZIP codes served by Red Lake
The water systems serving Red Lake cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Red Lake, MN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Red Lake's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Lake, MN tap water safe to drink?
Red Lake's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #458 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Red Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 219 violations are on record.
How is Red 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 Red Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Red Lake's water come from?
Red Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,470 residents.
What health violations has Red Lake's water system had?
Red Lake has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
Is Red Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Red 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 219 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 Red Lake's water compare to other cities?
Red Lake ranks #458 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 2% of state cities) and #13106 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.