Is Agency, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Agency, IA — Water Quality Report
Agency's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 620 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Agency's water
Agency ranks #317 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Agency purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Agency may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Agency, IA water safe to drink?
Agency's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 620 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Agency
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Agency's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4119). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Agency's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Agency's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Wapello 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 Des Moines River At Ottumwa.
Where does Agency's water come from?
Agency's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 620 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Des Moines River At Ottumwa (river).
What Agency 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.
Agency'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 Agency
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Agency, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 442,519 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JBS PORK OTTUMWA, IA52501 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 442,519 | 4.6 mi |
PRAXIS MID AMERICA OTTUMWA, IA52501 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
JOHN DEERE OTTUMWA WORKS OTTUMWA, IA52501 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wapello 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Agency compares by contaminant
Explore where Agency ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Agency's water comes from
Agency purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Agency's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 620 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Agency
Agency is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Agency
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGENCY WATER WORKS | IA9003006 | 620 | GWP |
How Agency compares
Full Iowa rankings →Agency's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Agency, IA
Wikipedia →Agency is a city in Wapello County, Iowa, United States. The population was 620 at the 2020 census. It is the historic site of an Indian trading post and the grave of Chief Wapello.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Agency's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wapello
Frequently asked questions
Is Agency, IA tap water safe to drink?
Agency's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #317 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Agency's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Agency'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 Agency?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Agency's water come from?
Agency's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 620 residents.
Is Agency's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Agency 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 1 violation 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 Agency's water compare to other cities?
Agency ranks #317 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 27% of state cities) and #4565 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Agency's small water system affect quality?
Agency's system serves approximately 620 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 1 violation on record.