Water Quality in Heron Lake, MN: 2 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Heron Lake's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Heron Lake, MN carry 2 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Heron Lake
Water quality varies across Heron Lake's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56137 | C | 64 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Heron Lake, Minnesota receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 64 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Heron Lake have accumulated 2 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 691 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Heron Lake's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Heron Lake water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 89% of homes built before 1986, Heron Lake 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
Heron Lake 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 Heron Lake
Heron Lake is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 691 people across 1 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 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Heron Lake. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Heron Lake
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 Heron Lake Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Heron Lake's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Heron Lake. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-31 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-12-05 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-06.
Heron Lake vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Heron Lake's water quality compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heron Lake | C | 2 | 1 | 691 |
| Bena | D | 0 | 1 | 691 |
| Cass Lake | B | 0 | 1 | 691 |
| Pennington | D | 0 | 1 | 691 |
Common Questions About Heron Lake Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Heron Lake, Minnesota:
Is Heron Lake water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Heron Lake's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Heron Lake tap water? Heron Lake's water receives a grade of C (64/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Heron Lake? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Heron Lake vs. Minnesota Average
Understanding how Heron Lake 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 Heron Lake.
ZIP Codes in Heron Lake
Heron Lake spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 56137. 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.