Bowlus, MN: 1 Health Violation — 82/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Bowlus tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for MN — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Bowlus Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Bowlus Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 2 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 69% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.73 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Bowlus
Federal records list 1 water system serving Bowlus, 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 Bowlus, Minnesota, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,355 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bowlus: B (82/100)
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
Bowlus water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56314 | B | 2 | 1 | Bowlus |
All ZIP Codes in Bowlus
- 56314 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
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 Bowlus
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Bowlus
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Bowlus's Housing Stock?
With 69% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Bowlus — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1963 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Bowlus 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.
Bowlus: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Bowlus, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Bowlus are relatively low compared to home values. The $150–$1,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 9% above the Minnesota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Bowlus
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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 69% of Bowlus homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bowlus, MN