Is Clarion, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89/100
waterverge.com Clarion, IA — Water Quality Report
Clarion's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,810 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 4 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Clarion's water
Clarion ranks #245 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Clarion 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Clarion may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clarion, IA water safe to drink?
Clarion's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,810 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clarion
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clarion's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clarion's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Clarion's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
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.
Where does Clarion's water come from?
Clarion's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,810 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 Clarion residents can do
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Clarion'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 Clarion
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clarion, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GOLD EAGLE COOP - GALT GALT, IA50101 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
AG PROCESSING INC EAGLE GROVE, IA50533 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
CORN LP GOLDFIELD, IA50542 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Clarion's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clarion compares by contaminant
Explore where Clarion ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clarion's water comes from
Clarion'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 2,810 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clarion
Clarion is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clarion
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLARION WATER SUPPLY | IA9909031 | 2,810 | GW |
How Clarion compares
Full Iowa rankings →Clarion'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 Clarion, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clarion's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wright
Frequently asked questions
Is Clarion, IA tap water safe to drink?
Clarion'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 #245 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Clarion's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Clarion'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 Clarion?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clarion's water come from?
Clarion's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,810 residents.
What health violations has Clarion's water system had?
Clarion has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Clarion's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clarion 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 4 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 Clarion's water compare to other cities?
Clarion ranks #245 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 44% of state cities) and #3112 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.
Does Clarion's small water system affect quality?
Clarion's system serves approximately 2,810 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 4 violations on record.