Crookston, MN: Lead Above EPA Limits — 35/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from Crookston, MN tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How Crookston Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Crookston Residents
- Average lead level: 0.017 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 83% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $7,380 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.22 — above typical levels.
Crookston's Water Providers
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Crookston, MN's residential water connections out of 2 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Crookston, Minnesota, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 8,991 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Crookston — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Crookston: F (35/100)
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
Crookston water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0170 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56716 | F | Crookston | 7,272 |
All ZIP Codes in Crookston
- 56716 [F]
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.
Crookston 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
Crookston Infrastructure Age
With 83% 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
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Crookston's median build year of 1969 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Crookston 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 Crookston
In Crookston, the equity impact of remediation sits at the elevated end of the scale — the cost-to-value ratio is high enough that most homeowners are weighing a genuine financial decision, one where planning and scope prioritization are practical tools rather than optional considerations, and early documentation of what needs addressing determines the shape of the commitment.
At 4.1% of home value, remediation costs in Crookston represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,920–$9,940. Home values here are 26% below the Minnesota average.
Crookston: 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.
Where 83% of housing predates the federal ban on lead-bearing solder and citywide utility samples sit beyond the regulatory benchmark — as both conditions hold for Crookston — the practical question for families with kids is what arrives at the specific faucet they actually use, not what the citywide average reads. An in-home kit produces that household-specific answer, with certified filter hardware via retailer networks addressing confirmed exposure where it appears.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Crookston: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Crookston shows a moderate flood record — 82 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Crookston has a moderate flood history with 82 FEMA claims averaging $5,233 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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>$7,380</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Crookston
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 83% 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 Crookston, MN