Water Quality in Beaver Bay, MN: 4 Violations - Grade D
Grade D · Score 52/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Beaver Bay's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Available EPA records for Beaver Bay, MN: 4 water compliance violations tied to local public water systems.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Beaver Bay
Beaver Bay is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55601 | D | 52 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Beaver Bay, Minnesota receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 52 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Beaver Bay have accumulated 4 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP code serving approximately 135 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Beaver Bay's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Beaver Bay water systems is 0.0130 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 58% of homes built before 1986, Beaver Bay has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Beaver Bay is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Beaver Bay
Beaver Bay is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 135 people across 1 ZIP code.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Beaver Bay. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Beaver Bay
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Beaver Bay Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Beaver Bay's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Beaver Bay. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-04-16 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-04-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-10-31 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-10-31 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-06-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-06-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-06-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-06-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-04-16.
Beaver Bay vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Beaver Bay's water quality compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver Bay | D | 4 | 2 | 135 |
| Benedict | D | 0 | 1 | 140 |
| Hope | D | 0 | 1 | 140 |
| Reads Landing | D | 0 | 1 | 130 |
Common Questions About Beaver Bay Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Beaver Bay, Minnesota:
Is Beaver Bay water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Beaver Bay's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Beaver Bay tap water? Beaver Bay's water receives a grade of D (52/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Beaver Bay? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Beaver Bay vs. Minnesota Average
Understanding how Beaver Bay compares to the broader Minnesota average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Beaver Bay.
ZIP Codes in Beaver Bay
Beaver Bay spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 55601. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.