Fulda, MN: Lead Above EPA Limits — 33/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Fulda, water quality data indicates below-average safety by MN standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Fulda Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Fulda Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.035 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: $6,180 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.93 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Fulda
Multiple utilities divide Fulda, MN's water service — 3 leading providers among 3 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Fulda, Minnesota (population ~2,216), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 20,802 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Fulda — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fulda: F (33/100)
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
Fulda water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0350 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56131 | F | Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System | 13,644 |
All ZIP Codes in Fulda
- 56131 [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.
CDC Health Data for Fulda
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
How Old Is Fulda's Housing Stock?
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
Housing age is one of the most reliable proxies for plumbing-era lead risk, because two federal milestones — the widespread use of lead pipes before 1970 and the continued use of lead solder until 1986 — define the highest-risk tiers of the residential housing stock. With a median build year of 1955, Fulda falls squarely within the older range — meaning a large fraction of the housing was built under the plumbing standards of those earlier eras. The distribution above captures where that risk concentrates, and why older neighborhoods warrant particular attention from residents concerned about tap water quality.
Over half of homes in Fulda 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.
Fulda: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Because estimated remediation claims a substantial fraction of typical Fulda property equity, the household financial perspective here requires serious advance planning — the cost-to-value ratio is in the elevated tier and warrants structured preparation.
At 3.6% of home value, remediation costs in Fulda represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,120–$8,140. Home values here are 29% below the Minnesota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Fulda
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.
Reading the local data together produces a single household-level picture for Fulda. The 83% pre-rule housing share — that is, the share of buildings constructed before federal rules removed lead solder from new plumbing — combines with citywide utility readings beyond the regulatory action level. The two indicators run in parallel here. An in-home draw produces the household-specific information that aggregate data cannot, and a certified filter via retailer networks is the standard intervention where confirmed results warrant it.
<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.
What You Can Do in Fulda
- 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 Fulda, MN