Oak Park, MN Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike better-scoring cities in MN, Oak Park records health-based violations across a meaningful portion of its service areas — the overall safety grade is well below average.
How Oak Park Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Oak Park Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 64% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.76 — above typical levels.
Oak Park's Water Providers
Oak Park, MN draws its water from one primary utility across 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Oak Park, Minnesota (population ~1,192), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,705 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Oak Park — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Oak Park: D (53/100)
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
Oak Park water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Oak Park
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56357 | D | Foley | 2,705 |
All ZIP Codes in Oak Park
- 56357 [D]
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.
Oak Park 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
Oak Park Infrastructure Age
With 64% 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
Reading the housing age data for Oak Park — median build year 1977 — the overriding implication is that the plumbing materials inside a typical home here reflect pre-1986 construction standards. In practical terms, that means lead-soldered copper joints are common across much of the housing stock. Where those materials are present, water can leach lead as it moves through joints — a pathway that corrosion control treatment under federal rules is designed to reduce, though it cannot eliminate lead risk where the plumbing materials themselves contain lead.
Over half of homes in Oak Park 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 Oak Park
Placing remediation in the context of Oak Park'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 Oak Park are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% above the Minnesota average.
Oak Park: 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.
64% of Oak Park housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Oak Park
- 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 64% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Oak Park, MN