Exceeds EPA Limit Lead EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Lead in Detroit Lakes, MN Drinking Water

Lead data for Detroit Lakes, Minnesota · 10,138 residents · 2 ZIP codes

Federal water monitoring extends to thousands of public water systems, and in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, that tracking has turned up Lead — the detection is logged in the EPA compliance record and reflects samples collected under routine Safe Drinking Water Act reporting requirements.

4 ppb
Max Level Detected
4 ppb
Average Level
15 ppb (action level)
EPA action level
18
EPA Violations
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Lead in Detroit Lakes Tap Water

Lead has been detected in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota drinking water at a maximum level of 4 ppb — below the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level).

This analysis covers 10,138 residents across 2 ZIP codes in Detroit Lakes.

Detroit Lakes's overall water quality grade is D (43/100).

Is Lead in Detroit Lakes Water Safe?

Lead levels in parts of Detroit Lakes exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.

Lead Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code Lead Level EPA Limit Status
56501 4 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
56502 4 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK

Average lead level across Detroit Lakes: 4 ppb

EPA Violations for Lead in Detroit Lakes

Date Violation Type Status ZIP Code
2024-01-01 Lead (Known) Known 56501
2024-01-01 Lead (Known) Known 56502
2023-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 56501
2023-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 56502
2023-01-01 Lead (Known) Known 56501
2023-01-01 Lead (Known) Known 56502
2022-10-01 Lead (Known) Known 56501
2022-10-01 Lead (Known) Known 56502
2022-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 56501
2022-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 56502
2022-01-01 Lead (Known) Known 56501
2022-01-01 Lead (Known) Known 56502
2021-10-01 Lead (Known) Known 56501
2021-10-01 Lead (Known) Known 56502
2021-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 56501
2021-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 56502
2021-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 56501
2021-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 56502

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 Detroit Lakes 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.

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