Is Bellevue, 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 ↓
89/100
waterverge.com Bellevue, IA — Water Quality Report
Bellevue's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,701 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 36 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bellevue's water
Bellevue ranks #246 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bellevue 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, Bellevue may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bellevue, IA water safe to drink?
Bellevue's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,701 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bellevue
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bellevue's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4732). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bellevue's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bellevue's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 9 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 Apple River.
Where does Bellevue's water come from?
Bellevue's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,701 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Apple River (river).
What Bellevue residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bellevue'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.
Bellevue'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 Bellevue
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bellevue, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROCKWELL COLLINS - BELLEVUE OPERATIONS BELLEVUE, IA52031 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
BELLEVUE SAND & GRAVEL BELLEVUE, IA52031 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bellevue
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.
- BAUTSCH GRAY MINE6.8 mi
- SAVANNA ARMY DEPOT ACTIVITY7.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Jackson County has experienced 9 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bellevue compares by contaminant
Explore where Bellevue ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bellevue's water comes from
Bellevue'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 2,701 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Bellevue
Bellevue is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bellevue
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELLEVUE MUNICIPAL UTILITIES | IA4910000 | 2,363 | GW |
| SPRING VALLEY PARK | IA3100606 | 180 | GW |
| EIRUSS DROESSLERS | IA4910701 | 158 | GWP |
How Bellevue compares
Full Iowa rankings →Bellevue's score of 89/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Bellevue, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bellevue's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Bellevue, IA tap water safe to drink?
Bellevue's water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #246 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Bellevue's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Bellevue'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 Bellevue?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bellevue's water come from?
Bellevue's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,701 residents.
What health violations has Bellevue's water system had?
Bellevue has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bellevue's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bellevue 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 36 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 Bellevue's water compare to other cities?
Bellevue ranks #246 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 44% of state cities) and #3113 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.