Elevated lead levels found in water samples taken from Lino Lakes prison

Elevated levels of lead were found in three of 10 water samples taken from the Lino Lakes prison in July, according to the Department of Corrections.

The DOC says that the prison has been part of a state-mandated water surveillance program after lead levels were detected there in 2023. The Minnesota Department of Health took the samples on July 29 and shared the results with the DOC on Friday.

The DOC says it immediately shared the results with the inmates and staff and passed along MDH guidance on how to reduce lead exposure.

The state aims to replace lead pipes in aging public infrastructure by 2033, the DOC said.

The elevated levels of lead were found in the following places:

Mayo Living Unit Kitchen: 22.7 ppb

South Living C unit Cell 221-222: 63.7 ppb

South Living B Unit Cell 221-222: 65.6 ppb

MDH will continue testing water at the prison every six months.

According to MDH, a public water system must take action if over 10% of water samples taken have lead levels of over 15 ppb.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has followed up with the DOC to see what is being done to ensure inmates and staff have access to safe water. This article will be updated if a response is received.
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