Is Baxter, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.9/100
waterverge.com Baxter, IA — Water Quality Report
Baxter's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,002 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Baxter's water
Baxter ranks #275 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Baxter 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, Baxter may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Baxter, IA water safe to drink?
Baxter's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,002 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Baxter
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Baxter's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.9/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Baxter's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Baxter's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jasper County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 South Skunk River At Colfax.
Where does Baxter's water come from?
Baxter's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,002 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Skunk River At Colfax (river).
What Baxter residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Baxter's water.
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.
Baxter'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 Baxter
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Baxter, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
REG NEWTON LLC NEWTON, IA50208 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
ARCOSA WIND TOWERS INC. PLT 1550 NEWTON, IA50208 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Jasper County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Baxter compares by contaminant
Explore where Baxter ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Baxter's water comes from
Baxter 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 Baxter'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 1,002 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Baxter
Baxter is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Baxter
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAXTER WATER SUPPLY | IA5003091 | 1,002 | GWP |
How Baxter compares
Full Iowa rankings →Baxter's score of 87.9/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Baxter, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Baxter's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jasper
Frequently asked questions
Is Baxter, IA tap water safe to drink?
Baxter's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #275 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Baxter's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Baxter'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 Baxter?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Baxter's water come from?
Baxter's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,002 residents.
Is Baxter's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Baxter 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 Baxter's water compare to other cities?
Baxter ranks #275 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 37% of state cities) and #3784 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Baxter's small water system affect quality?
Baxter's system serves approximately 1,002 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.