Bemidji, MN: 16 Violations — 75/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
EPA compliance records for Bemidji tell a largely clear story: violation rates are low, health-based exceedances are uncommon, and the city's grade puts it well above average within MN.
How Bemidji Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Bemidji Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 16 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.41 — above typical levels.
Bemidji's Water Providers
Across Bemidji, MN, residential water comes from 3 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 5 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Bemidji, Minnesota, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 34,700 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bemidji: B (75/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Bemidji water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 15 | 2 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 9 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
All ZIP Codes in Bemidji
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
Updated daily.
Bemidji Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Bemidji's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Bemidji
Because property values in Bemidji comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Bemidji are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$1,700 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 1% above the Minnesota average.
Bemidji: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Bemidji appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Bemidji: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
50% of ZIP codes in Bemidji are mapped into FEMA-designated flood zones, and the NFIP records 3 claims reflecting a multi-event flood history. That combination places local flood exposure in the range where water-quality implications deserve at least periodic attention.
Bemidji has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $3,736 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,000</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bemidji, MN