Water Quality in Monticello, MN: 96 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 65/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Monticello'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
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, Monticello, MN shows 96 water violations on file — findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality Map: Monticello, MN
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Monticello
Water quality varies across Monticello's 16 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55365 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55561 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55563 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55565 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55580 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55581 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55582 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55584 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55585 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55586 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55587 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55588 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55589 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55590 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
| 55591 | C | 65 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Monticello, Minnesota receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 65 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Monticello have accumulated 96 EPA violations, including 16 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 16 ZIP codes serving approximately 16,337 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Monticello'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
The average 90th percentile lead level across Monticello water systems is 0.0040 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Monticello is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Monticello
Monticello is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 16,337 people across 16 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 160 enforcement actions against water systems serving Monticello. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Monticello
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 Monticello Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Monticello's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 16 | 16 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 16 | 16 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 16 | 16 | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Monticello. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-10-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-16 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-10-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-26 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-11-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-06 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-11-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-06 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-05-31 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-10-20.
Monticello vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Monticello's water quality compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monticello | C | 96 | 3 | 16,337 |
| Welch | D | 0 | 1 | 16,459 |
| Red Wing | C | 0 | 2 | 16,629 |
| Hibbing | D | 10 | 1 | 16,028 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Monticello
Water quality varies across Monticello's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55365 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55561 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55563 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55565 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55580 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55581 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55582 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55584 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55585 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55586 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55362 | 69 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55591 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55590 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55589 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
| 55588 | 65 | C | 6 | 1 |
Common Questions About Monticello Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Monticello, Minnesota:
Is Monticello water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Monticello's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Monticello tap water? Monticello's water receives a grade of C (65/100). There are 16 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Monticello? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Monticello vs. Minnesota Average
Understanding how Monticello 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 Monticello.
ZIP Codes in Monticello
Monticello spans 16 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 55362. 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.