Searles, MN: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water compliance in Searles falls below the MN baseline — elevated violation rates are on record.
How Searles Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Searles Residents
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.13 — above typical levels.
Searles's Water Providers
With one provider handling most of Searles's residential supply in MN, water service accountability is concentrated in a single utility among the 1 system on record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Searles, Minnesota, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 14,052 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Searles — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Searles: D (40/100)
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
Searles water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Searles
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56084 | D | New Ulm | 14,052 |
All ZIP Codes in Searles
- 56084 [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.
Searles 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
What You Can Do in Searles
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Searles, MN