Is Sandstone, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.8/100
waterverge.com Sandstone, MN — Water Quality Report
Sandstone's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,012 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 10 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sandstone's water
Sandstone ranks #315 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sandstone 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, Sandstone may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sandstone, MN water safe to drink?
Sandstone's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,012 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sandstone
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sandstone's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4722). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4390). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sandstone'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
Sandstone's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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 Kettle River Below Sandstone.
Where does Sandstone's water come from?
Sandstone's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,012 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kettle River Below Sandstone (river).
What Sandstone residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sandstone'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.
Sandstone'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Sandstone
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sandstone, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION SANDSTONE, MN55072 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Sandstone'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. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sandstone compares by contaminant
Explore where Sandstone ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sandstone's water comes from
Sandstone'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,012 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Sandstone
Sandstone is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sandstone
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Correctional Institution | MN1580012 | 1,587 | GW |
| Sandstone | MN1580010 | 1,425 | GW |
How Sandstone compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Sandstone's score of 86.8/100 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 Sandstone, MN
Wikipedia →Sandstone is a city in Pine County, Minnesota, United States, along the Kettle River. The population was 2,462 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sandstone's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pine
Frequently asked questions
Is Sandstone, MN tap water safe to drink?
Sandstone's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #315 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Sandstone's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Sandstone'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 Sandstone?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sandstone's water come from?
Sandstone's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,012 residents.
What health violations has Sandstone's water system had?
Sandstone has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2003. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sandstone's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sandstone 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 10 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 Sandstone's water compare to other cities?
Sandstone ranks #315 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 32% of state cities) and #4446 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.