Health Violations Found MN 2 HEALTH VIOLATIONS

Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System

EPA ID: MN1410007 · 13,644 people served · 49 ZIP codes

Where compliant utilities carry no open actions, Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System shows 1 active EPA violation in the federal database for a service population of approximately 13,644.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

C · 63
Avg Safety Score
13,644
People Served
49
ZIP Codes Served
3
Violations (5yr)
Surface Water
Water Source
0.035 mg/L
Max Lead Level — Exceeds Limit
Zone 1
Radon Risk · High
6
Contaminants Flagged
$159K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Compliance Trajectory

Worsening · Risk tier: High · 95% chance of violation in next 12 months

Violations went from 2 (2023) to 2 (2024). The pattern suggests growing compliance challenges.

Service Area Map

Coverage area for Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade C

Service Area Demographics

$71,806
Median Household Income
98,686
Service Area Population
14%
Disadvantaged Population
56th
Poverty Percentile
66th
Energy Burden Percentile
81%
Pre-1986 Housing

The Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System serves a community with a median household income of $71,806 and an estimated 98,686 residents across its service area. Approximately 81% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Surface Water

Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
24th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
3th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 1% of homes in Nobles County, Minnesota rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Infrastructure Risk

71 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Galvanized Steel or Copper
Pipe Material
4 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Moderate Wear
Decay Status
Installed 95% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System compares to EPA limits

Lead 2 mg/L (action level) (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.015 mg/L (action level)
Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) 1 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.06 mg/L
Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects

What This Means For You

Lead at 2 mg/L (action level) exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.015 mg/L (action level). Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults. Consider reverse osmosis filtration.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.06 mg/L. Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.

Stage 1 DBP Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Stage 2 DBP Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

PFAS Detected in Service Area

PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 2 detections recorded.

State limits: PFOA: 0.035 ppt, PFOS: 0.015 ppt, PFBS: 2 ppt, PFHxS: 0.047 ppt
Health concern: PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental effects. They do not break down naturally.
Recommended filter: Reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters certified for PFAS removal. Find the right filter →

Lead was detected in this water system. reverse osmosis filtration can reduce exposure.

Find a certified water filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in Minnesota

Sauk Rapids
13,835 people
C 3 violations
Marshall
13,890 people
D 0 violations
Waconia
13,277 people
D 0 violations
New Ulm
14,052 people
D 6 violations
Worthington
14,052 people
C 0 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Radon Mitigation Flood Insurance Lead Pipe Replacement PFAS Treatment Water Filtration
Radon Mitigation $1,200
Flood Insurance $527
Lead Pipe Replacement $102
PFAS Treatment $20
Water Filtration $12
Total Estimated Cost $1,861

Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $500

Annual per household (CDC est.)

Lead Exposure — Child Lifetime Cost $10,000

Per affected child (EPA est.)

PFAS Exposure — Lifetime Cost $1,000

Per person (emerging research est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$5,445
10 years
$10,890
20 years
$21,780

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $1,861 (one-time) vs. $10,890 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System (EPA ID: MN1410007) is a community water system in Minnesota that serves approximately 13,644 people from surface water sources.

This system provides water to 49 ZIP codes across 49 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: C (63/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

2 health-based violations recorded in the past 5 years. 1 remains unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
October 1, 2025 Stage 1 DBP Rule Monitoring Unresolved
July 2, 2025 Stage 2 DBP Rule Monitoring Unresolved
May 1, 2025 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2024 Lead Health-based Resolved
October 31, 2023 Stage 1 DBP Rule Health-based Unresolved
October 1, 2023 Stage 1 DBP Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2023 Lead Health-based Unresolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Lead Inorganic 2 Yes
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 1 No
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 1 Yes
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 1 No
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting Failure 1 No
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 1 No

Health Risk Details

Lead (EPA limit: 0.015 mg/L (action level))

Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults At-risk groups: infants, children under 6, pregnant women.

Removal methods: reverse osmosis, distillation, certified carbon block filter (NSF/ANSI 53). Find the right filter →

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
56131 0.035 mg/L Yes N/A
56115 0.012 mg/L No N/A
56241 0.01 mg/L No N/A
56129 0.006 mg/L No N/A
56139 0.005 mg/L No N/A
56122 0.004 mg/L No N/A
56151 0.004 mg/L No N/A
56186 0.004 mg/L No N/A
56110 0.003 mg/L No N/A
56149 0.003 mg/L No N/A
56223 0.003 mg/L No N/A
56136 0.002 mg/L No N/A
56142 0.002 mg/L No N/A
56147 0.002 mg/L No N/A
56155 0.002 mg/L No N/A
56167 0.002 mg/L No N/A
56168 0.002 mg/L No N/A
56169 0.002 mg/L No N/A
56178 0.002 mg/L No N/A
56229 0.002 mg/L No N/A
Lead exceeds EPA action level in at least one sampling location. Consider using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 filter rated for lead removal.

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 1 (High Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Need help with your water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: Service area ZIP codes sourced from EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 (March 2026 release). These ZIPs reflect the actual deployment footprint recorded by MN or modeled from parcel and building-footprint data.

This system serves 49 ZIP codes:

56110 · 56115 · 56117 · 56119 · 56122 56128 · 56129 · 56131 · 56132 · 56136 56139 · 56141 · 56142 · 56144 · 56147 56149 · 56150 · 56151 · 56155 · 56156 56157 · 56158 · 56164 · 56165 · 56167 56168 · 56169 · 56170 · 56175 · 56178 56185 · 56186 · 56187 · 56214 · 56218 56220 · 56223 · 56229 · 56232 · 56237 56239 · 56241 · 56245 · 56258 · 56264 56265 · 56280 · 56291 · 56297

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System (MN1410007) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System water safe to drink?

Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System has recorded 2 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System serve?

Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System serves approximately 13,644 people across 49 ZIP codes in Minnesota.

Where does Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System get its water?

The primary water source is surface water.

Contact Your Water Utility

Public-record contact information for the water utility serving this system. Use these channels to request water quality reports, ask about service, or report issues directly.

Phone
(507) 368-4248
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Contact information from Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Water Source & Treatment

Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.

Source
Blended (groundwater + surface water)
Combines water from both groundwater and surface sources.
Treatment chemicals reported
chlorinefluoride

Source: Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.

Treatment regime

How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.

Treatment classification
Minimal — disinfection only
Disinfection (typically chlorine) without additional filtration or coagulation stages. Common for groundwater systems where source water meets federal standards after disinfection alone.

Treatment chemicals and what each one does

Chemical names are reported verbatim by the utility. Purpose categories are ZipCheckup annotations based on standard drinking-water treatment practice.

Disinfectant
Inactivates bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the treated water.
chlorine
Fluoridation
Added at low levels per state or local public-health policy for dental health.
fluoride

Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System Consumer Confidence Report.

Treatment intensity is a ZipCheckup-derived classification based on the chemicals and processes the utility reports. Chemicals and contamination sources are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR filing. Routine federal monitoring and contaminant testing shown elsewhere on this page determine whether the water meets safety standards, not the treatment classification.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Tested Clean

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). No PFAS compounds were detected.

Samples collected
261

Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.

Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

PFAS Substances Detected in This System

This water system's Consumer Confidence Report disclosed the following PFAS compounds. Levels are from the utility's most recent reporting cycle.

Substance Detected level EPA limit Status
PFOS
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
0.26 ppt 4 ppt Below EPA limit
9Cl-PF3O
Not yet EPA-regulated
0.26 ppt No federal limit set
PFDA
Not yet EPA-regulated
0.24 ppt No federal limit set
Perfluoroundecanoic acid
Not yet EPA-regulated
0.63 ppt No federal limit set

In April 2024, EPA finalized the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS. Public water systems have until 2029 to comply. EPA — PFAS regulation overview →

Source: Consumer Confidence Report disclosed by Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. PFAS detection data is sourced from public Consumer Confidence Reports filed by the utility itself.

Learn more about PFAS health effects and filtration →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

0
Confirmed Lead
0
Galvanized — Replacement Required
0
Unknown Material
4,962
Confirmed Non-Lead

This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported all required service line types
Latest tap sample on 2023-01-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Population served: 13,644
Reported to Minnesota

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

Notable events and violations

This section summarizes events the utility chose to disclose in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report, plus any federal compliance violations the utility recorded against itself. Both lists are utility-authored — ZipCheckup does not audit, judge, or reorder them.

Notable events from the utility's CCR

These bullet entries are the utility's own narration of operational, regulatory, or infrastructure events during the reporting period.

Notable events from Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System Consumer Confidence Report:
  • Water Quality Parameters monitoring not fully completed during first half of 2025; returned to compliance second half of 2025.
  • Gross Alpha at 14 pCi/L, near the 15 pCi/L MCL.

ZipCheckup note: items above reflect what the utility published in its most recent CCR. Federal violation records are also tracked separately by the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) — the SDWIS record is the authoritative federal source for any specific regulatory action.

How Water Systems Appear in Rankings

Water systems are evaluated by violation history, contaminant detections, and service population. Larger systems with more service connections appear in more rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System safe to drink?
Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System has a C safety grade based on 3 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System's water?
Detected contaminants include Lead, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Stage 1 DBP Rule, Stage 2 DBP Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 5 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System serve?
Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System serves approximately 13,644 people with drinking water across 49 ZIP codes.
What is Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System's water source?
Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System draws water from surface water sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.035 mg/L. This exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. A lead-certified filter is recommended, especially for homes with young children.
What is the demographic profile of Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System's service area?
The Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System service area has a median household income of $71,806. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System get its water?
Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System (EPA ID: MN1410007) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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