Water Quality in Detroit Lakes, MN: 34 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 43/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Detroit Lakes's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The public EPA compliance record for Detroit Lakes, MN holds 34 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Detroit Lakes
Water quality varies across Detroit Lakes's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56501 | D | 40 | 17 | 10 | View report → |
| 56502 | D | 45 | 17 | 10 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Detroit Lakes.
Water Quality Overview
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 43 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Detroit Lakes have accumulated 34 EPA violations, including 20 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 10,138 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Detroit Lakes'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 Detroit Lakes water systems is 0.0040 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 58% of homes built before 1986, Detroit Lakes 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
Detroit Lakes 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 Detroit Lakes
Detroit Lakes is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 10,138 people across 2 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
The EPA has taken 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Detroit Lakes. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Detroit Lakes
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
Contaminants Detected in Detroit Lakes Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Detroit Lakes's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 20 | 2 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Detroit Lakes:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 | 6 |
| 2022 | 6 | 6 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have decreased from 6 in 2021 to 2 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Detroit Lakes. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-18 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-04-18 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-12-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-10-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-10-07 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-06.
Detroit Lakes vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Detroit Lakes's water quality compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lakes | D | 34 | 3 | 10,138 |
| Rochert | D | 0 | 1 | 10,038 |
| Fairmont | C | 1 | 1 | 10,328 |
| Cambridge | B | 0 | 1 | 9,862 |
Common Questions About Detroit Lakes Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota:
Is Detroit Lakes water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Detroit Lakes's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Detroit Lakes tap water? Detroit Lakes's water receives a grade of D (43/100). There are 20 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Detroit Lakes? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Detroit Lakes vs. Minnesota Average
Understanding how Detroit Lakes 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 Detroit Lakes.
ZIP Codes in Detroit Lakes
Detroit Lakes spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 56501. 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.