Dayton, MN: High Radon Risk — 70/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Dayton 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 Dayton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Dayton Residents
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 45% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.25.
Dayton's Water Providers
With one provider handling most of Dayton's residential supply in MN, water service accountability is concentrated in a single utility among the 1 system on record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Dayton, Minnesota, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 5,542 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Dayton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Dayton: B (70/100)
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
Dayton 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55327 | B | Dayton | 4,930 |
All ZIP Codes in Dayton
- 55327 [B]
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.
Dayton 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
Dayton Infrastructure Age
With 45% 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
Dayton's residential inventory spans multiple construction eras, with the median build year of 1997 landing in a zone where pre- and post-1986 homes are both well represented. That split matters because homes built before 1986 may contain lead-soldered copper joints — a plumbing practice banned that year — while those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line. Whether a specific household sits on the older or newer end of this distribution is the primary variable shaping its individual exposure risk.
Most homes in Dayton were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Dayton
Within the Dayton market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Dayton are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 103% above the Minnesota average.
Dayton: 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.
Wherever 45% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Dayton — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Dayton: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
A moderate NFIP record for Dayton — 7 insurance claims paired with 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Dayton has a moderate flood history with 7 FEMA claims averaging $1,512 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>$2,400</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Dayton, MN