ZIP Code 55601 Water Quality & Testing Report
Beaver Bay, MN · Lake County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 55601 (Beaver Bay, MN)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 55601 (Beaver Bay, MN) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of D (52/100) due to 0 health violation(s) and 13.0 ppb lead. While treated by Silver Bay, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Poor — Multiple violations recorded
Health Violations
0
Total Violations
4
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
0
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 2 unresolved violations. Contact Silver Bay for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 55601
Tap water in ZIP code 55601 (Beaver Bay, MN) is distributed by Silver Bay (EPA ID: MN1380003), serving approximately 1,826 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of D with a composite quality score of 52/100.
Water System
Silver Bay
EPA ID: MN1380003
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
1,826 residents
County
Lake County County, Minnesota
Lead Levels in ZIP 55601
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 13.0 ppb — Moderate
Lead exposure risk in 55601 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 62% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 55601 is Hard (134 mg/L / 7.8 GPG). Residents may notice white mineral spots on glassware, reduced soap efficiency, and mineral scale on faucets and showerheads.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: Silver Bay · PWSID: MN1380003
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
Silver Bay has recorded 4 violations, but none are health-based (e.g., administrative or monitoring infractions). 2 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Moderate based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 55601 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
⚖ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Surface Water
This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.
Moderate potential
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 55601
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 55601 served by Silver Bay can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Minnesota Department of Health.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 55601 Recommendations
Serious water quality concerns — action recommended
- 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
- 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
- 🚨 Contact Silver Bay to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
- 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
- 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab
Recommended Water Treatment Systems:
NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter
Certified to remove lead. Recommended for immediate protection.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Reverse Osmosis system certified to remove PFAS, heavy metals, and viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 55601 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 55601?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 55601 (Beaver Bay, MN)?+
How hard is the tap water in 55601?+
Should I test private well water in 55601?+
What is the lead level in 55601 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 55601?+
Who provides tap water to 55601?+
What water filter should I use in 55601?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 55601 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Silver Bay. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →