Is Alton, 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 ↓
90/100
waterverge.com Alton, IA — Water Quality Report
Alton's drinking water received a grade of A (90 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,248 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Alton's water
Alton ranks #198 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Alton 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, Alton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alton, IA water safe to drink?
Alton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,248 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Alton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alton's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90/100).
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).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alton'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
Alton's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sioux County has experienced 6 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 Floyd River At Alton.
Where does Alton's water come from?
Alton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,248 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Floyd River At Alton (river).
What Alton 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.
Alton'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 Alton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Alton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 100 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PERDUE FOODS LLC - SIOUX PREME PACKING CO. CENTER PLANT SIOUX CENTER, IA51250 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 100 | 9.0 mi |
DIAMOND VOGEL INC. ORANGE CITY, IA51041 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
GCC-ORANGE CITY ORANGE CITY, IA51041 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Alton
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- VOGEL PAINT WAX CO10.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Sioux County has experienced 6 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 Alton'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. | 0.9 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alton compares by contaminant
Explore where Alton ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alton's water comes from
Alton 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 Alton'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 1,248 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Alton
Alton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Alton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALTON MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT | IA8403029 | 1,248 | GWP |
How Alton compares
Full Iowa rankings →Alton's score of 90/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Alton, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sioux
Frequently asked questions
Is Alton, IA tap water safe to drink?
Alton's water quality earned a grade of A (90/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #198 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Alton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Alton'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 Alton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alton's water come from?
Alton's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,248 residents.
What health violations has Alton's water system had?
Alton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2003. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Alton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alton 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 Alton's water compare to other cities?
Alton ranks #198 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 55% of state cities) and #2480 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Alton's small water system affect quality?
Alton's system serves approximately 1,248 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.