Is Bedford, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Bedford, IA — Water Quality Report
Bedford's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,508 residents using purchased surface 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 39 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bedford's water
Bedford ranks #240 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Bedford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bedford, IA water safe to drink?
Bedford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,508 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bedford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bedford's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
Contaminants: Nitrite.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1230). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bedford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bedford's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Taylor County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 East Fork 102 River At Bedford.
Where does Bedford's water come from?
Bedford's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,508 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include East Fork 102 River At Bedford (river).
What Bedford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bedford'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.
Bedford'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 Bedford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bedford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
J L HOUSTON HOPKINS, MO64461 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Taylor County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 Bedford compares by contaminant
Explore where Bedford ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bedford's water comes from
Bedford's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,508 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bedford
Bedford is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bedford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEDFORD WATER WORKS | IA8709096 | 1,508 | SWP |
How Bedford compares
Full Iowa rankings →Bedford's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Bedford, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bedford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taylor
Frequently asked questions
Is Bedford, IA tap water safe to drink?
Bedford's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #240 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Bedford's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Bedford'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 Bedford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bedford's water come from?
Bedford's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,508 residents.
What health violations has Bedford's water system had?
Bedford has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bedford's water compare to other cities?
Bedford ranks #240 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 45% of state cities) and #2982 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bedford's small water system affect quality?
Bedford's system serves approximately 1,508 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 39 violations on record.