Is Ackley, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.2/100
waterverge.com Ackley, IA — Water Quality Report
Ackley's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,599 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 8 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ackley's water
Ackley ranks #267 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Ackley relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Ackley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ackley, IA water safe to drink?
Ackley's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,599 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ackley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ackley's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.2/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ackley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ackley's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marshall County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Iowa River At Marshalltown, Timber Creek Near Marshalltown.
Where does Ackley's water come from?
Ackley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,599 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Iowa River At Marshalltown (river), Timber Creek Near Marshalltown (river).
What Ackley residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Ackley's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Ackley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ackley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PINE LAKE CORN PROCESSORS STEAMBOAT ROCK, IA50672 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Marshall County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 3.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ackley compares by contaminant
Explore where Ackley ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ackley's water comes from
Ackley's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,599 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ackley
Ackley is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ackley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACKLEY MUNICIPAL WATER WORKS | IA4201001 | 1,599 | GW |
How Ackley compares
Full Iowa rankings →Ackley's score of 88.2/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Ackley, IA
Wikipedia →Marshalltown is a city in Marshall County, Iowa, United States and the county seat of the county. The population was 27,591 at the 2020 census, and was estimated at 27,886 in 2024, making it the 17th-most populous city in Iowa. Marshalltown is home to the Iowa Veterans Home and Marshalltown Community College.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ackley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hardin
Frequently asked questions
Is Ackley, IA tap water safe to drink?
Ackley's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #267 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Ackley's water?
Lead was measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Ackley's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Ackley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ackley's water come from?
Ackley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,599 residents.
What health violations has Ackley's water system had?
Ackley has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ackley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ackley uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 8 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Ackley's water compare to other cities?
Ackley ranks #267 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 39% of state cities) and #3594 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ackley's small water system affect quality?
Ackley's system serves approximately 1,599 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 8 violations on record.