Water Quality in Browns Valley, MN: No Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 45/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Browns Valley's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Zero EPA violations on record for Browns Valley, MN — the 1 public water system tracked here have met every federal contaminant limit, cleared every monitoring requirement, and drawn no enforcement actions from the agency across the full compliance dataset.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Browns Valley
Water quality varies across Browns Valley's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56219 | D | 45 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Browns Valley, Minnesota receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 45 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Browns Valley. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Browns Valley's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Browns Valley water systems is 0.0110 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 70% of homes built before 1986, Browns Valley has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Browns Valley 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 Browns Valley
Browns Valley is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 566 people across 1 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
How to Check Your Water in Browns Valley
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
Browns Valley vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Browns Valley's water quality compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns Valley | D | 0 | 1 | 566 |
| Glenville | B | 1 | 1 | 566 |
| Ranier | B | 0 | 1 | 565 |
| Stephen | D | 0 | 1 | 568 |
Common Questions About Browns Valley Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Browns Valley, Minnesota:
Is Browns Valley water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Browns Valley's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Browns Valley tap water? Browns Valley's water receives a grade of D (45/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Browns Valley? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Browns Valley vs. Minnesota Average
Understanding how Browns Valley 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 Browns Valley.
ZIP Codes in Browns Valley
Browns Valley spans 1 ZIP code. 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.