Steele County, MN · PWSID MN1740005
Medford lead service lines
261 lines still unidentified
Medford reported no confirmed lead service lines, but 261 of 530 lines (49%) are still listed as "lead status unknown." Until a line is identified, treat it as possibly lead.
0% of Medford's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's lower than the Minnesota average (5.7%) and lower than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 0%
- Galvanized (replace) 0%
- Unknown 49%
- Non-lead 51%
Total service lines reported: 530. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 1,200; 500 connections.
Lead test results
Medford's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2024–Dec 2026) was not detected, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 4 in 2025 Q1 to 0 in 2026 Q3: down 4 (100%). Lines of unknown material went from 312 to 261, down 51 (16%).
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Medford. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Missed water quality parameter monitoring | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Medford's main water source is groundwater (wells).
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Medford whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Steele County
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Medford's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
55049
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Owatonna | 56 | 177 |
| Blooming Prairie | 16 | 579 |
| Ellendale | 4 | 176 |
| Hope Water Cooperative | 5 | 0 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Medford have lead pipes?
It hasn't confirmed any, but 261 of its 530 service lines are still of unknown material, so lead has not been ruled out.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Medford's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Medford replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Medford had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Medford.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Medford lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/mn/medford/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.