Detected Lead

Lead in Cottage Grove, MN Drinking Water

Lead data for Cottage Grove, Minnesota · 39,925 residents · 1 ZIP code

ZipCheckup's reading of Lead in Cottage Grove, Minnesota: the highest detected level is 2 ppb; the EPA limit is 15 ppb (action level). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.

Routine testing in Cottage Grove, Minnesota turned up Lead - samples from the public supply came back positive, placing this contaminant on the list of substances residents here have a concrete reason to look into.

2 ppb
Max Level Detected
2 ppb
Average Level
15 ppb (action level)
EPA action level
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-13

Lead in Cottage Grove Tap Water

Lead has been detected in Cottage Grove, Minnesota drinking water at a maximum level of 2 ppb — below the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level).

This analysis covers 39,925 residents across 1 ZIP code in Cottage Grove.

Cottage Grove's overall water quality grade is B (70/100).

Is Lead in Cottage Grove Water Safe?

Lead was detected in Cottage Grove water but currently falls within EPA limits. However, some health organizations argue the EPA action level may not be protective enough — the CDC states there is no safe level of lead for children.

If you are concerned, a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter can reduce lead levels further.

Lead Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code Lead Level EPA Limit Status
55016 2 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK

Average lead level across Cottage Grove: 2 ppb

Health Effects of Lead

  • Brain development delays and reduced IQ in children
  • Behavioral problems and learning disabilities
  • High blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
  • Increased risk of premature birth in pregnant women

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR/LCRI).

How Lead Gets Into Drinking Water

  • Corrosion of lead service lines (pipes connecting water main to home)
  • Lead solder in copper plumbing joints (pre-1986 homes)
  • Brass fixtures and faucets manufactured before 2014
  • Stagnant water that sits in lead-containing pipes overnight

What to Do About Lead in Cottage Grove Water

  1. Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter at kitchen sink
  2. Run cold water for 30 seconds before using for drinking or cooking
  3. Use cold water only for cooking and preparing formula
  4. Consider whole-home reverse osmosis if lead service line is present

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for lead removal.

Related

HomeContaminantsLeadMinnesota → Cottage Grove

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Lead in Cottage Grove, MN Drinking Water. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/cottage-grove-mn/
BibTeX
@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-lead-cottage-grove-mn,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Lead in Cottage Grove, MN Drinking Water}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/cottage-grove-mn/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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