Drinking Water Report

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2023 Drinking Water Report

The City of Cloquet is issuing the results of monitoring done on its drinking water for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2023. The purpose of this report is to advance consumers’ understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources. Contact Ross Biebl, Assistant Director of Public Works at 218-451-5984 or rbiebl@cloquetmn.gov if you have questions about Cloquet's drinking water.

2023 Drinking Water Quality Report

Source of Water

The City of Cloquet provides drinking water to its residents from a groundwater source: five wells ranging from 68 to 120 feet deep, that draw water from the Quaternary Buried Artesian and Quaternary Water Table aquifers.

We work with the Minnesota Department of Health to test drinking water for more than 100 contaminants in small amounts. No water supply is ever completely free of contaminants. Drinking water standards protect Minnesotans from substances that may be harmful to their health.

Reason for Monitoring

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Call (218) 879-6758 or visit the Public Works section of the City’s website if you have questions about the City of Cloquet's drinking water or would like information about opportunities for public participation in decisions that may affect the quality of the water.

Lead in Drinking Water

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Cloquet is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 to 60 seconds before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Help Protect Our Most Precious Resource - Water

Drinking water is a precious resource, yet we often take it for granted.

Throughout history, civilizations have risen and fallen based on access to a plentiful, safe water supply. That's still the case today. Water is key to healthy people and healthy communities. Water is also vital to our economy. We need water for manufacturing, agriculture, energy production, and more. One-fifth of the U.S. economy would come to a stop without a reliable and clean source of water.

Conservation is essential, even in the land of 10,000 lakes. For example, in part of the metropolitan area, groundwater is being used faster than it can be replaced. Some agricultural regions in Minnesota are vulnerable to drought, which can affect crop yields and municipal water supplies.

Make a Difference

Seal Unused Wells

Unused, unsealed or abandoned wells are a direct conduit for contamination to enter our groundwater aquifer system and drinking water supply. They also pose a safety hazard. Sealing is the process of clearing an unused well of debris and filling the well with a special material called grout. Remember, only a licensed well contractor can seal wells in Minnesota, including sand-points and large diameter dug wells. In many cases funding assistance or grants are available to assist with the cost of proper well sealing. If you are aware of an abandoned or unused well, please contact the Cloquet Public Works Department at (218) 879-6758.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is a form of protection that not only saves this precious commodity but at the same time saves us money. Numerous water saving technologies have been developed to help conserve water. And while strong progress has been made, there are several simple steps that consumers can take to help preserve our water supply for future generations. We must use our water wisely. Below are some tips to help you and your family conserve - and save money in the process:

Fix Running Toilets. They can waste hundreds of gallons of water.
Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing your teeth!
Shower instead of bathe. Bathing uses more water than showering, on average.
Only run full loads of laundry, and set the washing machine to the correct water level.
Only run the dishwasher when it's full.

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