Cottage Grove, MN: High Radon Potential Area - Home Safety 67/100
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated
ZipCheckup grade for Cottage Grove: C.
A mixed picture - some signals here are worth your attention.
Cottage Grove, MN: a C, mid-scale.
How Cottage Grove Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS
What You Should Know About Cottage Grove Water
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 47% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $500 per household.
- Health risk index (ZipCheckup composite of CDC data): 11.06.
Who Supplies Your Water in Cottage Grove
Listed supplier for Cottage Grove, MN: one system, of 1 on federal record.
- C
Overview
We track home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 39,925 people. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 1 ZIP codes.
The available EPA record reports 0 violations for 1 ZIP code with a reported violation count.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cottage Grove: C (67/100)
Model 4.0.0 uses four measured components across three equally weighted domains. If a required domain is unavailable, no score is published:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| PFAS MCL Screen | UCMR 5 testing against the covered federal MCLs |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
| Annual AQI | EPA AirData county-year median with at least 90 observed days |
Water Sources
Cottage Grove water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0020 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 1 ZIP code with known status exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
1 of 1 ZIP records with known zones is in EPA Radon Zone 1.
The EPA recommends testing all homes regardless of radon zone. County radon zones cannot replace an in-home radon test.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55016 | C | Cottage Grove | 42,760 |
All ZIP Codes in Cottage Grove
- 55016 [C]
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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
Health Outcomes in Cottage Grove
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). County health indicators are shown for context only and are not linked to this area's water records.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Housing & Infrastructure in Cottage Grove
With 47% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. Federal law banned lead solder in drinking-water plumbing in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
1982 is the median build year in Cottage Grove, and the age breakdown below shows how much of the housing predates 1986.
Most homes in Cottage Grove were built after 1986; lead exposure at a tap still depends on its service line and plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Cottage Grove Homeowners
Measured against the median home value, the estimated cost of fixing the issues flagged for Cottage Grove lands in the lowest of the three tiers this page uses.
Estimated remediation costs in Cottage Grove can be compared with local home values. The $300–$800 estimated range can be set against the median property value; actual costs vary by home. Home values are 50% above the Minnesota average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Cottage Grove
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water - especially if your home was built before 1986.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Historical NFIP Claim Context in Cottage Grove
Historical NFIP data for Cottage Grove contains 9 flood insurance claims. Among claims with payment data, the average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum is $4,610. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 0% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
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. The $500 remediation estimate shown here excludes flood insurance and is not derived from NFIP claim count.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
What You Can Do in Cottage Grove
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages - your tap may differ. Check the certification, price and turnaround time of any water test kit or lab service.
- Install a certified water filter. Choose a pitcher or under-sink filter certified to reduce the specific contaminants of concern.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 47% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cottage Grove, MN