Is Blue Grass, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 41 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
60.6/100
waterverge.com Blue Grass, IA — Water Quality Report
Blue Grass's drinking water received a grade of C (60.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 14 water systems serve approximately 1,526 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 363 violations on record, including 43 health-based violations. 41 remain unresolved.
What to know about Blue Grass's water
Blue Grass ranks #425 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Blue Grass 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, Blue Grass may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Blue Grass, IA water safe to drink?
Blue Grass's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 14 water systems serve approximately 1,526 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Blue Grass
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Blue Grass's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.6/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4119). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Blue Grass's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Blue Grass's water system has 363 total violations on record, including 43 health-based violations. 41 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Muscatine County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Blue Grass's water come from?
Blue Grass's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 14 water systems serving approximately 1,526 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Blue Grass residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Blue Grass'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.
Blue Grass'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 Blue Grass
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Blue Grass, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 21,872 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SSAB IOWA INC. MUSCATINE, IA52761 | Sodium nitrite | 21,869 | 3.4 mi |
CONTINENTAL CEMENT CO BUFFALO, IA52728 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 2 | 4.9 mi |
NOVELIS ALR ALUMINUM LLC - NOVELIS DAVENPORT CASTING DAVENPORT, IA52802 | Zinc compounds | 1 | 6.3 mi |
NOVELIS ALR ALUMINUM LLC - NOVELIS DAVENPORT FINISHING DAVENPORT, IA52802 | Manganese | 0 | 8.5 mi |
CENTRAL PETROLEUM CO WALCOTT, IA52773 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Muscatine County has experienced 10 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Blue Grass compares by contaminant
Explore where Blue Grass ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Blue Grass's water comes from
Blue Grass'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,526 people through 14 water systems.
Water systems serving Blue Grass
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VILLAGE OAKS HOMEOWNERS ASSN | IA8215304 | 250 | GW |
| HICKORY HILLS SUBDIVISION #2 | IA8215303 | 181 | GW |
| HICKORY HILLS FIRST ANNEX HOA | IA8215372 | 156 | GW |
| TIMBER VALLEY ESTATES (1ST & 2ND ADD) | IA8215384 | 132 | GW |
| HICKORY HILLS SECOND ANNEX | IA8215373 | 130 | GW |
| REVELLE 6TH & 7TH ADDITION | IA8215301 | 125 | GW |
| RUSTIC OAKS HOMEOWNERS ASSN. | IA8215399 | 100 | GW |
| TIMBER LAKE ESTATES HOA | IA8215306 | 83 | GW |
| HICKORY HILLS SUBDIVISION #1 | IA8215302 | 75 | GW |
| TIMBER VALLEY ESTATES (THIRD ADDITION) | IA8215385 | 73 | GW |
| VALLEY HEIGHTS 1ST ANNEX | IA8215305 | 70 | GW |
| REVELLE 1ST & 2ND SUBDIVISION | IA8215396 | 54 | GW |
| EAGLE LANE CORPORATION | IA8215308 | 53 | GW |
| DEER VALLEY HOMEOWNERS ASSOC | IA8215325 | 44 | GW |
How Blue Grass compares
Full Iowa rankings →Blue Grass's score of 60.6/100 is below the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Blue Grass, IA
Wikipedia →Muscatine is a city in and the county seat of Muscatine County, Iowa, United States. The population was 23,797 at the time of the 2020 census, an increase from 22,697 in 2000. It is located along the Mississippi River. The local business association states that the name Muscatine is not used by any other community.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Blue Grass's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Scott
Frequently asked questions
Is Blue Grass, IA tap water safe to drink?
Blue Grass's water quality earned a grade of C (60.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #425 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Blue Grass's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 363 violations are on record.
How is Blue Grass'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 Blue Grass?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Blue Grass's water come from?
Blue Grass's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 14 water systems serving approximately 1,526 residents.
What health violations has Blue Grass's water system had?
Blue Grass has 43 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 41 violations remain unresolved.
Is Blue Grass's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Blue Grass 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 363 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 Blue Grass's water compare to other cities?
Blue Grass ranks #425 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 3% of state cities) and #12071 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.