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Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideHistorical Record: No Recorded SDWIS Violations

ZIP Code 55805 Water Quality & Testing Report

Duluth, MN · St Louis County County · Updated for 2026

Sahajul HaqueCompiled & verified by Sahajul Haque from official EPA SDWIS records
Public Health & Medical Notice: Drinking water quality data on this page reflects historical compliance records submitted under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This information does not constitute medical advice or a real-time safety guarantee. If you are pregnant, nursing, preparing infant formula, or immunocompromised, consult a healthcare provider. Boiling water kills biological pathogens, but does NOT remove chemical contaminants like lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 55805 (Duluth, MN)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 55805 (Duluth, MN) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Duluth, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (76/100) with 0 health violations, 8.0 ppb lead, and hard (128 mg/L / 7.5 GPG) water.

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

0

Lead Risk

Very High

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 55805

Tap water in ZIP code 55805 (Duluth, MN) is distributed by Duluth (EPA ID: MN1690011), serving approximately 86,859 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of B with a composite quality score of 76/100.

Water System

Duluth

EPA ID: MN1690011

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

86,859 residents

County

St Louis County County, Minnesota

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Lead Levels in ZIP 55805

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 8.0 ppb — Moderate

The 90th percentile lead level in 55805 is 8.0 ppb. This is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, but above ideal health goals. Consider a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead exposure risk in 55805 is rated Very High. EPA models estimate a 77% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
8.00 ppb (0.008 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

8 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Very High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

77%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Hard7.5 GPG · 128 mg/L

Water in ZIP 55805 is Hard (128 mg/L / 7.5 GPG). Residents may notice white mineral spots on glassware, reduced soap efficiency, and mineral scale on faucets and showerheads.

Recommendation: An ion-exchange water softener or descaler is recommended to prolong the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing.
Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

7.5 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

128 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
High / Severe

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Duluth · PWSID: MN1690011

Verify on EPA.gov
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Duluth has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years.

Total Violations (5 yr)
0
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Low

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Low 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 55805 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Lead (8 ppb)

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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.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

4.16%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 55805

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 55805 served by Duluth 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.
Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in MN for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 55805 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Duluth
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:

🚰

NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter

Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.

Filter Selection Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 55805 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 55805?+
Yes — tap water in 55805 (Duluth, MN) meets EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 55805 (Duluth, MN)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 55805, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in MN. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact Minnesota Department of Health for a list of certified regional labs.
How hard is the tap water in 55805?+
Tap water in 55805 is classified as Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 128 mg/L (7.5 GPG). An ion-exchange water softener or descaler is recommended to prolong the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing.
Should I test private well water in 55805?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 55805 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
What is the lead level in 55805 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 55805 is 8.0 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 55805?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 55805. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 55805?+
Tap water in ZIP code 55805 is provided by Duluth (EPA ID: MN1690011), serving approximately 86,859 residents.
What water filter should I use in 55805?+
Based on water metrics for 55805, we recommend Lead & Microplastic Filter. Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 53 (Lead Reduction), NSF/ANSI 42 (Particulate/Taste).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 55805 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 Duluth. 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 →