Hamel, MN: High Radon Risk — 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Hamel shows moderate tap water quality for MN — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Hamel Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Hamel Water
- Homes built before 1986: 35% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.25.
Who Supplies Your Water in Hamel
2 water utilities share the residential service territory in Hamel, MN — out of 2 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Hamel, Minnesota, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 9,776 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Hamel — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hamel: C (55/100)
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
Hamel water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Hamel
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55340 | C | Medina | 4,205 |
All ZIP Codes in Hamel
- 55340 [C]
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.
Health Outcomes in Hamel
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Hamel
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Development in Hamel unfolded across multiple decades, and the median build year of 1992 reflects a housing inventory where eras of construction are genuinely mixed — including portions that predate the federal prohibition on lead solder in plumbing.
Most homes in Hamel 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Hamel Homeowners
Placing remediation in the context of Hamel's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.
Remediation costs in Hamel are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 153% above the Minnesota average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Hamel
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 35% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Hamel — 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.
What You Can Do in Hamel
- 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 35% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Hamel, MN