Big Falls, MN Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water utilities in Big Falls have maintained a consistent compliance record over recent monitoring periods — the city's above-average grade in MN reflects low violation rates and no systemic health concerns flagged in current data.
How Big Falls Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Big Falls Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 75% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.55 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Big Falls
Federal records list 1 water system serving Big Falls, MN. One provider accounts for the large majority of residential water connections in the area, concentrating infrastructure and compliance accountability.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Big Falls, Minnesota, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 215 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Big Falls — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Big Falls: B (83/100)
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
Big Falls 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56627 | B | Big Falls | 192 |
All ZIP Codes in Big Falls
- 56627 [B]
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.
CDC Health Data for Big Falls
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
How Old Is Big Falls's Housing Stock?
With 75% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
The character of Big Falls's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1976 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in Big Falls were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Big Falls: Remediation Cost in Perspective
What does the elevated remediation share mean for Big Falls homeowners financially? A serious commitment — one that calls for structured planning rather than an ad-hoc response.
At 2.5% of home value, remediation costs in Big Falls represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $800–$2,600. Home values here are 74% below the Minnesota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Big Falls
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 75% of Big Falls stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Big Falls
The NFIP has been tracking flood insurance claims across the United States for decades, building a data record that reflects cumulative flood history at the local level. For Big Falls, that record shows a modest total that places the community on the lower end of flood exposure. That context matters for water quality: flooding can compromise both public treatment infrastructure and private wells, but the severity of those effects depends heavily on event magnitude and frequency. At low claim volumes, those pathways to water quality disruption remain largely theoretical rather than documented local risks.
Big Falls has a relatively low flood history with 1 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
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>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Big Falls, MN