Sacred Heart, MN: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Sacred Heart tap water shows a mixed record for MN — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Sacred Heart Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Sacred Heart Water
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 85% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.11 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Sacred Heart
A single dominant system supplies most of Sacred Heart, MN. That utility controls infrastructure decisions, rate structures, and EPA compliance reporting for most residential addresses served across those 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sacred Heart, Minnesota, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,047 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sacred Heart — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sacred Heart: 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
Sacred Heart water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56285 | C | Sacred Heart | 485 |
All ZIP Codes in Sacred Heart
- 56285 [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 Sacred Heart
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 Sacred Heart
With 85% 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
Because the majority of Sacred Heart's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1944 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Sacred Heart 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 Sacred Heart Homeowners
The household financial picture for Sacred Heart homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Sacred Heart are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 48% below the Minnesota average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Sacred Heart
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 stock in Sacred Heart represents 85% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Sacred Heart
- 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 85% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sacred Heart, MN