Spicer, MN: High Radon Risk — 62/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike higher-rated cities in MN, Spicer carries a fair number of documented violations — the pattern of compliance gaps keeps the city in the middle tier of EPA safety rankings.
How Spicer Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Spicer Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 52% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.4 — above typical levels.
Spicer's Water Providers
Structurally, Spicer, MN's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 4 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Spicer, Minnesota, covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 4,655 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Spicer — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Spicer: C (62/100)
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
Spicer water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Spicer
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56288 | C | Glacial Lakes Sanitary Sewer/Water District | 1,335 |
All ZIP Codes in Spicer
- 56288 [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.
Spicer 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
Spicer Infrastructure Age
With 52% 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, Spicer's housing stock carries a median build year of 1985. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Spicer 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 Spicer
Across Spicer, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Spicer are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,000–$4,000 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 59% above the Minnesota average.
Spicer: 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.
When older housing represents 52% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Spicer address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Spicer: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Spicer falls in moderate-exposure territory — 1 documented incident spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Spicer has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$3,000</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Spicer
- 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 52% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Spicer, MN