Water Quality in Howard Lake, MN: 2 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 33/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Howard Lake's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Drinking water compliance data for Howard Lake, MN reflects 2 EPA violations — details in the grid below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Howard Lake
Water quality varies across Howard Lake's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55349 | F | 33 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 55575 | F | 33 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Howard Lake, Minnesota receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 33 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Howard Lake have accumulated 2 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,180 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Howard Lake's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Howard Lake water systems is 0.0150 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 55% of homes built before 1986, Howard 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
Howard 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 Howard Lake
Howard Lake is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,180 people across 2 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 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Howard Lake. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Howard 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 Howard Lake Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Howard Lake's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | 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 3 enforcement actions against water systems serving Howard Lake. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2022-02-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-12-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-10-29 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2022-02-22.
Howard Lake vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Howard Lake's water quality compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howard Lake | F | 2 | 1 | 2,180 |
| Maple Plain | C | 0 | 1 | 2,174 |
| Navarre | D | 0 | 1 | 2,174 |
| Aitkin | B | 0 | 1 | 2,165 |
Common Questions About Howard Lake Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Howard Lake, Minnesota:
Is Howard Lake water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Howard Lake's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Howard Lake tap water? Howard Lake's water receives a grade of F (33/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Howard Lake? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Howard Lake vs. Minnesota Average
Understanding how Howard 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 Howard Lake.
ZIP Codes in Howard Lake
Howard Lake spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 55349. 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.