Crane Lake, MN Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Crane Lake's water safety record falls below average in MN — compliance violations span multiple service areas, and several systems have recorded exceedances that trigger federal notification requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
How Crane Lake Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Crane Lake Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 73% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.88 — above typical levels.
Crane Lake's Water Providers
As of current federal records, Crane Lake, MN is served primarily by one water utility among 1 tracked system. That single provider handles infrastructure investment, rate adjustments, and regulatory reporting under EPA oversight.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Crane Lake, Minnesota (population ~93), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 249 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Crane Lake — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Crane Lake: D (53/100)
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
Crane Lake water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Crane Lake
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55725 | D | Orr | 249 |
All ZIP Codes in Crane Lake
- 55725 [D]
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.
Crane Lake 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
Crane Lake Infrastructure Age
With 73% 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
Because the majority of Crane Lake's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1976 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Crane Lake 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Crane Lake
What does remediation cost in financial context for Crane Lake homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in Crane Lake are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 49% above the Minnesota average.
Crane Lake: 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.
Routinely in Crane Lake, where 73% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Crane Lake
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 73% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Crane Lake, MN