Lead · Minnesota

Lead in Minnesota Drinking Water — 365 ZIPs Tested

EPA data analysis for lead in Minnesota drinking water systems

ZipCheckup tracks Lead in Minnesota drinking water: 365 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 11 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (15 ppb (action level)). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.

365
ZIPs with Detections
11
ZIPs with Violations
2.3%
Violation Rate
15 ppb (action level)
EPA Limit
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Lead Contamination in Minnesota

ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 469 ZIP codes in Minnesota for lead contamination. 365 ZIP codes have reported lead detections, and 11 have EPA violations on record.

The violation rate for lead in Minnesota is 2.3% of all ZIP codes — roughly in line with the national average.

EPA Standard for Lead

The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead is 15 ppb (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR/LCRI). Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.

Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in Minnesota

These ZIP codes reported the highest lead levels in Minnesota based on CCR reports and EPA data:

Lowest Lead Levels in Minnesota

These ZIP codes had the lowest reported lead detections in Minnesota:

Health Effects of Lead

Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. In children, lead causes developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. In adults, it causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant women face increased risk of premature birth.

How to Remove Lead From Drinking Water

The most effective treatment for lead removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.

Check Your ZIP Code

Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see lead data for your specific water system in Minnesota.

Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in Minnesota

Ranked by highest lead detection level.

Rank ZIP Code City Level Detected EPA Limit Status
1 55746 Hibbing 32 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
2 56308 Alexandria 18 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
3 56334 Glenwood 18 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
4 56360 Osakis 18 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
5 56716 Crookston 17 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
6 55321 Cokato 15 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
7 55349 Howard Lake 15 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
8 55390 Waverly 15 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
9 55395 Winsted 15 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
10 56013 Blue Earth 11 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
11 56143 Jackson 11 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
12 56052 Kilkenny 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
13 56057 Le Center 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
14 56069 Montgomery 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
15 55432 Minneapolis 9 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
16 55075 South Saint Paul 8 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
17 55076 Inver Grove Heights 8 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
18 55077 Inver Grove Heights 8 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
19 55101 Saint Paul 8 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
20 55102 Saint Paul 8 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit

Lowest Lead Levels in Minnesota

ZIP Code City Level Detected
56173 Steen 1 ppb
56138 Hills 1 ppb
56134 Hardwick 1 ppb
56116 Beaver Creek 1 ppb
56082 Saint Peter 1 ppb
56063 Madison Lake 1 ppb
56048 Janesville 1 ppb
56031 Fairmont 1 ppb
55947 La Crescent 1 ppb
55912 Austin 1 ppb

Cities with Lead Data in Minnesota

93 cities in Minnesota have lead testing data available.

+ 73 more cities

Minnesota Water Quality Overview: See statewide water quality rankings on the Minnesota water quality page.
Learn more about Lead: Read the full guide on Lead in drinking water.
Home → Contaminants → Lead → Minnesota

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Lead in Minnesota Drinking Water — 365 ZIPs Tested. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/minnesota/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-lead-minnesota,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Lead in Minnesota Drinking Water — 365 ZIPs Tested}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/minnesota/}
}

Page version: August 2026.

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