ZipCheckup grade for 55042: D.
Federal records show several conditions worth reviewing.
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Lake Elmo, MN (55042): PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level - 49/100
EPA data combined for 4 water systems mapped to this ZIP (largest mapped system: Lake Elmo)
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 55042 in Lake Elmo, MN contain 16 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 0 are marked health-based.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 16 violations (non-health) (since 2021).
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result is below the laboratory reporting limit, not a measured zero; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
- PFAS At least one PFAS result is above an EPA MCL value (UCMR5 sampling; MCL compliance required from 2029).
- Radon EPA Zone 1 - highest county-level potential. This is not a home measurement; test before any threshold comparison.
- Flood 34 cumulative NFIP claim records. Check the current FEMA map for a specific address.
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This report sorts findings for 55042 in Lake Elmo into tiers using its own criteria, covering a water system's 90th-percentile lead result above the EPA action level, unresolved violations on record, PFAS and carbon monoxide risk; in the available data, one finding meets the critical criteria and none meets the high-priority criteria, and the card below links to the section with details.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: 49/100
This is the published model score. Component and domain values are shown independently; they are not added together on this page.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 4 of 4 components and 3 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (8) HIGH
Your Water System
ZIP code 55042 in Lake Elmo, Minnesota is mapped to the water system Lake Elmo (EPA ID: MN1820009). This system provides water to approximately 10,978 people from groundwater sources.
There are 4 community water systems serving this area.
Water Systems Serving This Area
| System Name | EPA ID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Elmo | MN1820009 | 10,978 | Groundwater |
| Cimarron Park | MN1820010 | 2,400 | Groundwater |
| Oak Park Heights | MN1820020 | 4,776 | Groundwater |
| Bayport | MN1820001 | 2,700 | Groundwater |
Other Water Quality Reports in Minnesota
- 55001 (Afton)
- 55002 (Almelund)
- 55003 (Bayport) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 55005 (Bethel)
- 55006 (Braham)
- 55007 (Brook Park)
- 55008 (Cambridge)
- 55009 (Cannon Falls)
- 55010 (Castle Rock)
- 55011 (Cedar) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 55012 (Center City) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 55013 (Chisago City) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 55014 (Circle Pines) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 55016 (Cottage Grove)
- 55017 (Dalbo)
- 55018 (Dennison)
- 55019 (Dundas) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 55020 (Elko New Market)
- 55021 (Faribault) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 55024 (Farmington)
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 55128 (Saint Paul) - 2 mi - 9 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 55083 (Stillwater) - 4 mi
- 55090 (Willernie) - 5 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 55082 (Stillwater) - 5 mi - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 55125 (Saint Paul) - 6 mi - 9 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 55115 (Saint Paul) - 6 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 55109 (Saint Paul) - 6 mi - 10 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 55003 (Bayport) - 6 mi - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 55119 (Saint Paul) - 6 mi - 9 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 55129 (Saint Paul) - 7 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Lake Elmo (MN1820009) on EPA.gov.
5 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 55042. One or more compound results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029.
Detected compounds: PFBA, PFOA, PFHxS, PFPeA, PFBS, PFHxA.
Highest measured level: 0.14 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Environmental Hazards (11) CRITICAL
Home & Infrastructure (7) OK
Cost & Community (8) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in Lake Elmo
Based on local data for ZIP 55042, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in Lake Elmo has 34 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Service recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 55042 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 16 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 55042 (primary system: Lake Elmo), including 0 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 55042's water come from?
The recorded water source for Lake Elmo, a system mapped to ZIP code 55042, is Groundwater. This system serves approximately 10,978 people.
How does Lake Elmo water compare to the national average?
Lake Elmo's Home Safety Score ranks lower than 94% of U.S. ZIP codes, and lower than 97% of ZIP codes within Minnesota.
How can I get my water tested in Lake Elmo?
If Lake Elmo supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
What is the radon risk for 55042?
55042 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 1 (high county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Washington County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 55042's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 55042. One or more PFAS results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 55042?
FEMA records contain 34 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 55042; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is A05, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. Claim records do not establish current property risk. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Lake Elmo, MN (55042): PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level - 49/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/55042/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-55042,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Lake Elmo, MN (55042): PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level - 49/100}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/55042/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 55042
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55128 | Saint Paul, MN | 2.1 mi | C | 9 |
| 55083 | Stillwater, MN | 4.2 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 55090 | Willernie, MN | 4.8 mi | N/A | 1 |
| 55082 | Stillwater, MN | 5.4 mi | D | 4 |
| 55125 | Saint Paul, MN | 5.5 mi | D | 9 |
| 55115 | Saint Paul, MN | 5.5 mi | C | 1 |
| 55109 | Saint Paul, MN | 6.2 mi | D | 10 |
| 55003 | Bayport, MN | 6.2 mi | N/A | 2 |
| 55119 | Saint Paul, MN | 6.3 mi | C | 9 |
| 55129 | Saint Paul, MN | 6.7 mi | N/A | 1 |
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