Iona, MN: High Radon Risk — 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
If you're checking Iona, MN tap water safety, the short answer is: average — violations are present in parts of the city and specifics depend on which water system serves your address.
How Iona Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Iona Water
- Homes built before 1986: 89% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.93 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Iona
2 water utilities share the residential service territory in Iona, MN — out of 2 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Iona, Minnesota (population ~338), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 13,806 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Iona — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Iona: 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
Iona water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Iona
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56141 | C | Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System | 13,644 |
All ZIP Codes in Iona
- 56141 [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 Iona
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 Iona
With 89% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Federal plumbing rules changed in two stages — lead pipes were phased out before 1970, and lead solder was banned in 1986 — but in Iona, where the median build year is 1941, most of the housing was already in place before those rules took effect. The materials installed under older standards remain embedded in a substantial portion of the residential inventory today.
Over half of homes in Iona were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Iona Homeowners
In Iona, the equity share of documented remediation is meaningful enough to move the household financial perspective from routine maintenance into deliberate budgeting territory — the cost-to-value ratio is moderate, and most homeowners benefit from mapping the full scope against available budgets before committing.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Iona. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 54% below the Minnesota average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Iona
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.
Households with kids in the home — for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure — face a specific local picture in Iona. 89% of homes here come from the pre-rule era, and aggregate utility samples either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L. A baseline draw-test kit and certified lead-removal filtration are available via retailer networks for households confirming conditions at a specific tap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Iona
- 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 89% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Iona, MN