Stearns County, MN · PWSID MN1730022
Richmond lead service lines
20 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Richmond reported 2 lead and 18 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 637 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 32 lines. Another 218 (34%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #166 of 460 Minnesota systems with confirmed lead lines, and #3,720 nationally.
3.1% of Richmond's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's lower than the Minnesota average (5.7%) and about the same as the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 0.3%
- Galvanized (replace) 2.8%
- Unknown 34%
- Non-lead 63%
Total service lines reported: 637. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 1,506; 633 connections.
Lead test results
Richmond's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2024–Dec 2026) was 85 ppb, above the 15 ppb federal action level. 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 14 in 2025 Q1 to 20 in 2026 Q3: up 6 (43%). Lines of unknown material went from 236 to 218, down 18 (7.6%).
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 Richmond. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2021 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Richmond'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 Richmond 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 Stearns County
Cities served
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Cloud | 1,078 | 900 |
| Waite Park | 45 | 377 |
| Sauk Centre | 165 | 1 |
| Cold Spring | 78 | 350 |
| Melrose | 56 | 138 |
| Paynesville | 98 | 253 |
| Belgrade | 116 | 39 |
| Brooten | 110 | 22 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Richmond have lead pipes?
Yes. Richmond reported 2 lead service lines and 18 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 637 total. 218 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Richmond'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 Richmond 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 Richmond had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Richmond.
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, "Richmond lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/mn/richmond/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.