Is Albert City, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
90.1/100
waterverge.com Albert City, IA — Water Quality Report
Albert City's drinking water received a grade of A (90.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 677 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Albert City's water
Albert City ranks #192 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Albert City 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, Albert City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Albert City, IA water safe to drink?
Albert City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 677 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Albert City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Albert City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4184). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Albert City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Albert City's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Buena Vista County has experienced 8 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 Storm Lake At Storm Lake.
Where does Albert City's water come from?
Albert City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 677 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Storm Lake At Storm Lake (lake).
What Albert City 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.
Albert City'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 Albert City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Albert City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 28 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VALERO RENEWABLE FUELS ALBERT CITY* ALBERT CITY, IA50510 | Ammonia | 28 | 0.6 mi |
FISHER LAURENS, IA50554 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
REMBRANDT ENTERPRISES INC. REMBRANDT, IA50576 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Buena Vista County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Albert City's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 3.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.800 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Albert City compares by contaminant
Explore where Albert City ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Albert City's water comes from
Albert City'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 677 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Albert City
Albert City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Albert City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALBERT CITY MUNI WATER SUPPLY | IA1103009 | 677 | GW |
How Albert City compares
Full Iowa rankings →Albert City's score of 90.1/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Albert City, IA
Wikipedia →Storm Lake is a city in and the county seat of Buena Vista County, Iowa, United States. The population was 11,269 in the 2020 census, an increase from 10,076 in the 2000 census. It is one of the only cities in Iowa with a non-white majority population.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Albert City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Buena Vista
Frequently asked questions
Is Albert City, IA tap water safe to drink?
Albert City's water quality earned a grade of A (90.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #192 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Albert City's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Albert City'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 Albert City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Albert City's water come from?
Albert City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 677 residents.
Is Albert City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Albert City 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 12 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 Albert City's water compare to other cities?
Albert City ranks #192 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 56% of state cities) and #2427 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Albert City's small water system affect quality?
Albert City's system serves approximately 677 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 12 violations on record.