Water Quality in Grand Marais, MN: 3 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Grand Marais's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Grand Marais, MN carry 3 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Grand Marais
Water quality varies across Grand Marais's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55604 | C | 66 | 3 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Grand Marais, Minnesota receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Grand Marais have accumulated 3 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,404 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Grand Marais's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Grand Marais is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 59% of homes built before 1986, Grand Marais 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
Grand Marais is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Grand Marais
Grand Marais is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,404 people across 1 ZIP codes.
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 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Grand Marais. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Grand Marais
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 Grand Marais Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Grand Marais's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 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 Grand Marais. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-10-31 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-10-31 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-03-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-03-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-03-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-09-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-02-23 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-02-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-10-31.
Grand Marais vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Grand Marais's water quality compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Marais | C | 3 | 2 | 1,404 |
| Frazee | C | 0 | 1 | 1,400 |
| Wolf Lake | D | 0 | 1 | 1,400 |
| Huntley | D | 0 | 1 | 1,391 |
Common Questions About Grand Marais Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Grand Marais, Minnesota:
Is Grand Marais water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Grand Marais's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Grand Marais tap water? Grand Marais's water receives a grade of C (66/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Grand Marais? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Grand Marais vs. Minnesota Average
Understanding how Grand Marais 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 Grand Marais.
ZIP Codes in Grand Marais
Grand Marais spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 55604. 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.