Water Quality in Lake Elmo, MN: 1 Violation — Grade C
Grade C · Score 63/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Lake Elmo's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Drinking water compliance data for Lake Elmo, MN reflects 1 EPA violation — details in the grid below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Lake Elmo
Water quality varies across Lake Elmo's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55042 | C | 63 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Lake Elmo, Minnesota receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 63 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Lake Elmo have accumulated 1 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 13,378 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Lake Elmo's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Lake Elmo water systems is 0.0030 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Lake Elmo 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 Lake Elmo
Lake Elmo is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 13,378 people across 1 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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lake Elmo. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Lake Elmo
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lake Elmo. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-02-04 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-02-04 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-02-04.
Lake Elmo vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Lake Elmo's water quality compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Elmo | C | 1 | 2 | 13,378 |
| Saint Bonifacius | D | 0 | 1 | 13,277 |
| Waconia | C | 0 | 1 | 13,277 |
| Cloquet | B | 2 | 2 | 13,867 |
Common Questions About Lake Elmo Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Lake Elmo, Minnesota:
Is Lake Elmo water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Lake Elmo's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Lake Elmo tap water? Lake Elmo's water receives a grade of C (63/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Lake Elmo? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Lake Elmo vs. Minnesota Average
Understanding how Lake Elmo 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 Lake Elmo.
ZIP Codes in Lake Elmo
Lake Elmo spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 55042. 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.