Side Lake, MN Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike better-scoring cities in MN, Side Lake records health-based violations across a meaningful portion of its service areas — the overall safety grade is well below average.
How Side Lake Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Side Lake Water
- Homes built before 1986: 59% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.88 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Side Lake
Because residential water in Side Lake, MN flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Side Lake, Minnesota (population ~847), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 4,940 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Side Lake — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Side Lake: 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
Side Lake water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Side Lake
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55781 | D | Chisholm | 4,940 |
All ZIP Codes in Side Lake
- 55781 [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.
Health Outcomes in Side Lake
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 Side Lake
With 59% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Side Lake's housing stock carries a median build year of 1971. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Side 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Side Lake Homeowners
Equity impact data for Side Lake lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Side Lake are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 53% above the Minnesota average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Side Lake
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 59% of the Side Lake inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Side 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 59% 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 Side Lake, MN