2026 Rankings

Least Reliable Water Systems in Minnesota — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

1,009 ZIP codes ranked by Reliability Score #1: ZIP 56253 (Lake Lillian, MN) - 10/100
Lead Violations Lowest Score Safest Flood Risk Energy Cost Radon PFAS Reliability EJ Index Homebuyer Risk CO & Gas Safest Gas Remediation Burden Unresolved Violations (by Utility) Water Equity (by Utility)

Out of 1,009 ZIP codes with data in Minnesota, these are the lowest-ranked areas for reliability score. See also: National Least Reliable Water Systems in America | All Minnesota Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 1,009
Lowest value 10/100
Median value 78/100
State Minnesota

100 Lowest-Ranked ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Reliability Score Safety Score
1 56253 Lake Lillian MN 10/100 45/100
2 56735 Lancaster MN 10/100 37/100
3 55335 Gibbon MN 15/100 33/100
4 56267 Morris MN 15/100 45/100
5 56501 Detroit Lakes MN 15/100 40/100
6 56537 Fergus Falls MN 15/100 38/100
7 56572 Pelican Rapids MN 15/100 40/100
8 55385 Stewart MN 26/100 51/100
9 55734 Eveleth MN 32/100 79/100
10 56216 Blomkest MN 35/100 51/100
11 56054 Lafayette MN 36/100 55/100
12 56523 Climax MN 36/100 59/100
13 55007 Brook Park MN 37/100 58/100
14 55065 Randolph MN 37/100 54/100
15 56469 Palisade MN 37/100 74/100
16 55614 Silver Bay MN 40/100 69/100
17 56173 Steen MN 40/100 51/100
18 55076 Inver Grove Heights MN 41/100 58/100
19 55077 Inver Grove Heights MN 41/100 58/100
20 55765 Meadowlands MN 42/100 75/100
21 56043 Hayward MN 42/100 50/100
22 56525 Comstock MN 42/100 69/100
23 56583 Tintah MN 44/100 65/100
24 55073 Scandia MN 45/100 60/100
25 55324 Darwin MN 45/100 66/100
26 56122 Chandler MN 45/100 64/100
27 56162 Ormsby MN 45/100 64/100
28 56165 Reading MN 45/100 64/100
29 56276 Odessa MN 45/100 68/100
30 56295 Watson MN 45/100 64/100
31 56737 Middle River MN 45/100 68/100
32 56756 Salol MN 45/100 47/100
33 55087 Warsaw MN 47/100 61/100
34 55069 Rush City MN 49/100 75/100
35 56129 Ellsworth MN 49/100 57/100
36 55042 Lake Elmo MN 50/100 63/100
37 55090 Willernie MN 50/100 53/100
38 55308 Becker MN 50/100 68/100
39 55382 South Haven MN 50/100 57/100
40 55959 Minnesota City MN 50/100 65/100
41 56007 Albert Lea MN 50/100 63/100
42 56057 Le Center MN 50/100 53/100
43 56117 Bigelow MN 50/100 61/100
44 56441 Crosby MN 50/100 81/100
45 56585 Ulen MN 50/100 68/100
46 56601 Bemidji MN 50/100 75/100
47 56630 Blackduck MN 50/100 81/100
48 55018 Dennison MN 52/100 66/100
49 56701 Thief River Falls MN 52/100 56/100
50 55604 Grand Marais MN 53/100 66/100
51 56227 Correll MN 53/100 68/100
52 56274 Norcross MN 53/100 66/100
53 55731 Ely MN 54/100 78/100
54 55021 Faribault MN 55/100 61/100
55 55746 Hibbing MN 55/100 53/100
56 56161 Okabena MN 55/100 67/100
57 56349 Lowry MN 55/100 63/100
58 56382 Swanville MN 55/100 71/100
59 56516 Bejou MN 55/100 52/100
60 56519 Borup MN 55/100 67/100
61 56550 Hendrum MN 55/100 53/100
62 55378 Savage MN 57/100 66/100
63 56026 Ellendale MN 57/100 65/100
64 56310 Avon MN 57/100 61/100
65 56517 Beltrami MN 57/100 58/100
66 55601 Beaver Bay MN 58/100 52/100
67 55767 Moose Lake MN 58/100 81/100
68 56334 Glenwood MN 58/100 68/100
69 55019 Dundas MN 60/100 67/100
70 55063 Pine City MN 60/100 76/100
71 55318 Chaska MN 60/100 61/100
72 55319 Clear Lake MN 60/100 63/100
73 55713 Buhl MN 60/100 70/100
74 55793 Warba MN 60/100 72/100
75 56039 Granada MN 60/100 61/100
76 56050 Kasota MN 60/100 64/100
77 56137 Heron Lake MN 60/100 64/100
78 56342 Isle MN 60/100 79/100
79 56379 Sauk Rapids MN 60/100 80/100
80 56510 Ada MN 60/100 48/100
81 56042 Hartland MN 62/100 65/100
82 56111 Alpha MN 62/100 65/100
83 56667 Puposky MN 62/100 71/100
84 56270 Morton MN 63/100 45/100
85 56363 Pease MN 63/100 70/100
86 55012 Center City MN 65/100 83/100
87 55088 Webster MN 65/100 60/100
88 55401 Minneapolis MN 65/100 68/100
89 55402 Minneapolis MN 65/100 63/100
90 55403 Minneapolis MN 65/100 68/100
91 55404 Minneapolis MN 65/100 68/100
92 55405 Minneapolis MN 65/100 68/100
93 55406 Minneapolis MN 65/100 68/100
94 55407 Minneapolis MN 65/100 63/100

Methodology

Water system reliability scores (0-100) combine violation frequency, violation recency, resolution rate, and system size. Systems with repeated health-based violations and unresolved issues score lowest. The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance, distinct from the broader Home Safety Score.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-04-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a low water reliability score mean?

A low reliability score (below 50) indicates a water system with frequent violations, poor resolution rates, or recurring compliance issues. These systems may have aging infrastructure, inadequate treatment, or management challenges.

How is reliability different from safety score?

The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance (violations, resolution, compliance). The Home Safety Score is broader, also including lead risk, radon, and flood data. A ZIP code can have a reliable water system but still have high radon or flood risk.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →

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Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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