Brown County, MN · PWSID MN1080003
New Ulm lead service lines
289 lead or galvanized lines to replace
New Ulm reported 21 lead and 268 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 5,376 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 19 lines. Another 2,162 (40%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #20 of 460 Minnesota systems with confirmed lead lines, and #977 nationally.
5.4% of New Ulm's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's about the same as the Minnesota average (5.7%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 0.4%
- Galvanized (replace) 5.0%
- Unknown 40%
- Non-lead 54%
Total service lines reported: 5,376. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 14,052; 5,457 connections.
Lead test results
New Ulm's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2021–Dec 2023) was 2 ppb, 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 299 in 2025 Q1 to 289 in 2026 Q3: down 10 (3.3%). Lines of unknown material went from 2,295 to 2,162, down 133 (5.8%).
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 no Lead and Copper Rule violations for New Ulm since 2015. That covers testing, reporting, corrosion control and public notice requirements; it isn't a guarantee about any individual home.
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
New Ulm'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 New Ulm 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 Brown County
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside New Ulm's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
56073
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Sleepy Eye | 39 | 315 |
| Springfield | 44 | 2 |
| Hanska | 0 | 98 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does New Ulm have lead pipes?
Yes. New Ulm reported 21 lead service lines and 268 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 5,376 total. 2,162 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on New Ulm'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 New Ulm 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 New Ulm had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for New Ulm.
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, "New Ulm lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/mn/new-ulm/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.