Howard Lake, MN: 2 Violations — 33/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across Howard Lake, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by MN EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Howard Lake Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Howard Lake Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 2 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.55.
Water Systems Serving Howard Lake
Howard Lake, MN is covered by 2 major water utilities out of 2 federally tracked systems, each managing its own pipes, treatment processes, and EPA filings. What a household gets from the tap depends on which provider's system serves that address.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Howard Lake, Minnesota, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 3,555 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 Howard Lake: 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
Howard Lake water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0150 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 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 | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55349 | F | 1 | 0 | Howard Lake |
| 55575 | F | 1 | 0 | Howard Lake |
All ZIP Codes in Howard Lake
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 Howard Lake
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Howard Lake
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Howard Lake: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, Howard Lake sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Howard Lake are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 20% above the Minnesota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Howard Lake
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.
Lead risk in Howard Lake appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Howard Lake
- 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 Howard Lake'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 Howard Lake, MN