Ellendale, MN: 1 Health Violation — 65/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Ellendale's water quality grade in MN reflects a middle-ground assessment — service areas range from fully compliant to violation-flagged in current EPA records.
How Ellendale Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Ellendale Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 5 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 73% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.82 — above typical levels.
Ellendale's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Ellendale, MN — 4 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ellendale, Minnesota, covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 1,978 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ellendale: C (65/100)
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
Ellendale 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 2 | 1 |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 2 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56026 | C | 5 | 1 | Blooming Prairie |
All ZIP Codes in Ellendale
- 56026 [C] — 5 violations ⚠
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.
Ellendale 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
What's in Ellendale's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Ellendale 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
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. Ellendale's median build year of 1954 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Ellendale 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 Ellendale
The household financial picture for Ellendale homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Ellendale are relatively low compared to home values. The $950–$2,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 8% below the Minnesota average.
Ellendale: 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 Ellendale, 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 Ellendale
- 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. Filters rated for Gross Alpha can reduce the most common contaminant found in Ellendale's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 73% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ellendale, MN