Montrose, MN: High Radon Risk — 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems across Montrose produce average compliance results for MN overall — pockets with documented violations exist, and the variation between areas makes checking the specific system serving a given address the most useful step for residents here.
How Montrose Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Montrose Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 36% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.55.
Water Systems Serving Montrose
Water service in Montrose, MN is split across 3 utilities out of 3 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Montrose, Minnesota (population ~5,664), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 12,563 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Montrose — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Montrose: 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
Montrose water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Montrose
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55363 | C | Montrose | 3,899 |
All ZIP Codes in Montrose
- 55363 [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.
CDC Health Data for Montrose
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
How Old Is Montrose's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Development in Montrose unfolded across multiple decades, and the median build year of 2009 reflects a housing inventory where eras of construction are genuinely mixed — including portions that predate the federal prohibition on lead solder in plumbing.
Most homes in Montrose were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Montrose: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Placing remediation in the context of Montrose's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.
Remediation costs in Montrose are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% above the Minnesota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Montrose
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.
Wherever 36% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Montrose — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Montrose
- 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 36% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Montrose, MN