Lead pipes in Rice County, Minnesota
How many lead pipes are in Rice County, MN?
Water systems based in Rice County reported 931 lead service lines, 164 galvanized lines that need replacing and 1,314 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). Faribault has the most, with 1,076 lead and galvanized lines.
Who pays in Minnesota
Minnesota set a goal in 2023 to remove every lead service line by 2033 and put $240 million of state money, plus federal funds, into a Public Facilities Authority grant program that covers both public and private costs. As a result the big Minnesota programs, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Rochester, replace the private side for free.
Every Rice County water system with lead lines
Systems are grouped by the county EPA lists as their main service area. Some serve towns in neighboring counties too.
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faribault Faribault | 918 | 158 | 92 | Not confirmed |
| Northfield Northfield | 10 | 1 | 1,002 | Not confirmed |
| Nerstrand Nerstrand | 0 | 5 | 81 | Not confirmed |
| Morristown Morristown | 2 | 0 | 139 | Not confirmed |
| Lonsdale Lonsdale | 1 | 0 | 0 | Not confirmed |
Systems over the new 10 ppb lead action level
Faribault (19 ppb, 2024-01 to 2026-12). See all systems over 10 ppb.
Common questions
How many lead pipes are in Rice County, MN?
Water systems based in Rice County reported 931 lead service lines, 164 galvanized lines that need replacing and 1,314 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). Faribault has the most, with 1,076 lead and galvanized lines.
Who pays to replace lead service lines in Rice County?
It depends on your water utility. Minnesota set a goal in 2023 to remove every lead service line by 2033 and put $240 million of state money, plus federal funds, into a Public Facilities Authority grant program that covers both public and private costs. We have not confirmed a homeowner program for a utility in this county yet, so ask your utility before you hire a contractor.
How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Look up your address on your water utility's service line inventory map, or check the pipe where it enters your home: lead is dull gray, soft, scratches to shiny silver, and a magnet won't stick. See our step-by-step guide.
Other Minnesota counties
Hennepin CountyRamsey CountySt. Louis CountyWinona CountyStearns CountyCrow Wing CountyWashington CountyDakota CountyMinnesota →