Hibbing, MN: Lead Above EPA Limits — 49/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Hibbing, EPA data shows a below-average compliance pattern for MN — health-based violations are on file in several areas, and checking the specific system serving your address is a practical first step for concerned residents.
How Hibbing Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Hibbing Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 10 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.032 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $3,490 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.88 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Hibbing
One utility dominates residential water service in Hibbing, MN — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Hibbing, Minnesota, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 16,815 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hibbing: D (49/100)
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
Hibbing water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0320 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 2 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 3 | 2 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
All ZIP Codes in Hibbing
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 Hibbing
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
Top Contaminants in Hibbing Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Hibbing Homeowners
The cost-to-equity ratio for remediation in Hibbing is elevated — the financial planning challenge here is real and significant.
At 2.7% of home value, remediation costs in Hibbing represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $2,060–$5,020. Home values here are 47% below the Minnesota average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Hibbing
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.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water — especially if your home was built before 1986.
<strong>2 ZIP codes</strong> (100% of the city) exceed 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.
Flood & Climate Risk in Hibbing
Hibbing's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 3 NFIP claims on record and 50% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Hibbing has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $827 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$3,490</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Hibbing
- 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. Filters rated for Stage 1 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Hibbing's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Hibbing, MN