Zumbrota, MN: High Radon Risk — 70/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water utilities in Zumbrota have maintained a consistent compliance record over recent monitoring periods — the city's above-average grade in MN reflects low violation rates and no systemic health concerns flagged in current data.
How Zumbrota Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Zumbrota Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 65% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Zumbrota
Across Zumbrota, MN, residential water comes from 2 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 2 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Zumbrota, Minnesota, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,547 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Zumbrota — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Zumbrota: B (70/100)
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
Zumbrota 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55992 | B | Zumbrota | 3,172 |
All ZIP Codes in Zumbrota
- 55992 [B]
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.
CDC Health Data for Zumbrota
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
How Old Is Zumbrota's Housing Stock?
With 65% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Zumbrota — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1978 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Zumbrota 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.
Zumbrota: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Across Zumbrota, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Zumbrota are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 9% above the Minnesota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Zumbrota
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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 65% of Zumbrota homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Zumbrota
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, Zumbrota shows 7 claims and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding — contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow — move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
Zumbrota has a moderate flood history with 7 FEMA claims averaging $7,470 per payout. 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>$2,400</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Zumbrota, MN