Lake Benton, MN: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Recent monitoring in Lake Benton shows middle-tier safety for MN — some systems are clean; others have logged EPA violations.
How Lake Benton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Lake Benton Water
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 77% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.71 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Lake Benton
Residential water service in Lake Benton, MN is divided among 3 separate utilities, drawn from 4 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Lake Benton, Minnesota (population ~1,205), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 14,449 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Lake Benton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lake Benton: C (66/100)
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
Lake Benton water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56149 | C | Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System | 13,644 |
All ZIP Codes in Lake Benton
- 56149 [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 Lake Benton
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 Lake Benton
With 77% 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 Lake Benton, where the median build year is 1978, 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 Lake Benton 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 Lake Benton Homeowners
Within the Lake Benton market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Lake Benton are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 37% below the Minnesota average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Lake Benton
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 Lake Benton. 77% 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 Lake Benton
- 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 77% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Lake Benton, MN