Kettle River, MN Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Kettle River, MN: reliable drinking water, above-average safety record, few violations.
How Kettle River Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Kettle River Residents
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 59% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.33 — above typical levels.
Kettle River's Water Providers
Most residential addresses in Kettle River, MN are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kettle River, Minnesota, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 696 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kettle River — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kettle River: B (83/100)
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
Kettle River water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55757 | B | Kettle River | 168 |
All ZIP Codes in Kettle River
- 55757 [B]
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.
Kettle River Community Health Snapshot
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
Kettle River Infrastructure Age
With 59% 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
What does a median build year of 1973 mean for water safety in Kettle River? It means the majority of the city's residential plumbing was installed before 1986, when lead solder was federally banned, and a large share may predate 1970, when lead pipes were commonly used — making plumbing age a central variable in household-level lead risk across much of the city.
Over half of homes in Kettle River 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Kettle River
Within the Kettle River market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Kettle River are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% below the Minnesota average.
Kettle River: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 59% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Kettle River.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Kettle River, MN