Mountain Lake, MN: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring across Mountain Lake paints a mid-range picture within MN — solid compliance in some service zones, documented concerns in others. Most violations on record are concentrated in specific areas, and the overall grade has held in the middle tier without major shifts in recent monitoring cycles.
How Mountain Lake Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Mountain Lake Residents
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 86% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.27 — above typical levels.
Mountain Lake's Water Providers
With 3 utilities splitting service in Mountain Lake, MN, water accountability is distributed across 4 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mountain Lake, Minnesota (population ~2,520), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 12,559 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Mountain Lake — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mountain Lake: 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
Mountain Lake water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56159 | C | Red Rock Rural Water System | 5,840 |
All ZIP Codes in Mountain Lake
- 56159 [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.
Mountain Lake 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
Mountain Lake Infrastructure Age
With 86% 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
The median home in Mountain Lake was built in 1967 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in Mountain Lake 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 Mountain Lake
In Mountain Lake, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Mountain Lake are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 44% below the Minnesota average.
Mountain Lake: 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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 86% of Mountain Lake homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Mountain Lake
- 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 86% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Mountain Lake, MN