WaterVerge

Is Belmond, 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 ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: IA9905003
Overall Score
93.2 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#64 of 436 in Iowa Top 6% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
93.2/100
waterverge.com
A 93.2/100

Belmond, IA — Water Quality Report

Belmond's drinking water received a grade of A (93.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,463 residents using groundwater.

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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Belmond's water

Belmond ranks #64 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Belmond 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, Belmond may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
93.2 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.2/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Belmond, IA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Belmond's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (93.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,463 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Belmond

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Belmond's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Vinyl chloride, Trichloroethylene.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Belmond's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Belmond's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MR
Most recent violations:
Dec 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2009 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2009 TTHM Resolved
Jul 1992 Vinyl chloride Resolved
Jul 1992 Trichloroethylene Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Wright 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 Iowa River Near Rowan, White Fox Creek At Clarion.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4421
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4289
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4184

Where does Belmond's water come from?

Belmond's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,463 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Iowa River Near Rowan (river), White Fox Creek At Clarion (river).

What Belmond residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Belmond's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Belmond'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

16
Total violations
0
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Dec 2021
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

16 Total
3 Active
0 Health-based
13 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
6
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Volatile Organic Chemicals
2
Nitrate Rule
1
Dec 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 1991 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2009 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2011
Jul 2009 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2011
Jul 1992 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1988 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1991
Jul 1988 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1991
Jul 1988 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1991
Jul 1988 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1991
Jul 1988 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1991
Jul 1988 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1991
Jul 1988 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1991
Jul 1988 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1991
Jul 1987 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1991
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Belmond

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Belmond, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
NEW COOPERATIVE INC. - ROWAN MILL
Food · NA
ROWAN, IA50470
8.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Mar 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Wright 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.

Mar 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4421
Oct 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4289
Jul 2014
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4184
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3239
Jul 1998
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1230
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #996

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.6 ppb from 1993 (3.6 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,463
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Belmond's water comes from

Groundwater

Belmond'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 2,463 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Belmond

Belmond is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Iowa River Near Rowan
river
White Fox Creek At Clarion
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Belmond

System Name PWSID Population Source
BELMOND WATER SUPPLY IA9905003 2,463 GW
Regional Comparison

How Belmond compares

Full Iowa rankings →

Belmond's score of 93.2/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Belmond (this city)
93.2
Ames
81.5
Iowa avg
72
City Profile

About Belmond, IA

Economic Profile
$55,233
Median Income
$104,099
Median Home Value
$743/mo
Median Rent
3.7%
Unemployment
Community
38.8
Median Age
342
People / sq mi
26.8%
College Educated
76.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Belmond, IA tap water safe to drink?

Belmond's water quality earned a grade of A (93.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #64 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.

What contaminants are in Belmond's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.

How is Belmond'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 Belmond?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Belmond's water come from?

Belmond's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,463 residents.

Is Belmond's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Belmond 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 16 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 Belmond's water compare to other cities?

Belmond ranks #64 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 85% of state cities) and #932 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Belmond's small water system affect quality?

Belmond's system serves approximately 2,463 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 16 violations on record.