Is Colo, 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 ↓
94.2/100
waterverge.com Colo, IA — Water Quality Report
Colo's drinking water received a grade of A (94.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 853 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Colo's water
Colo ranks #28 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Colo purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Colo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colo, IA water safe to drink?
Colo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 853 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Colo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colo's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.2/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Colo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Colo's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Story County has experienced 7 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 Colo's water come from?
Colo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 853 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Colo 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.
Colo'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 Colo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Colo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LINCOLNWAY ENERGY LLC NEVADA, IA50201 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
AIR PRODUCTS & CHEMICALS INC. CO2 RECOVERY PLANT NEVADA, IA50201 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Story County has experienced 7 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colo compares by contaminant
Explore where Colo ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colo's water comes from
Colo purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Colo's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 853 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Colo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLO WATER SUPPLY | IA8520061 | 853 | GWP |
How Colo compares
Full Iowa rankings →Colo's score of 94.2/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Colo, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Story
Frequently asked questions
Is Colo, IA tap water safe to drink?
Colo's water quality earned a grade of A (94.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #28 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Colo's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Colo'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 Colo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colo's water come from?
Colo's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 853 residents.
Is Colo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Colo 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 7 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 Colo's water compare to other cities?
Colo ranks #28 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 94% of state cities) and #596 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Colo's small water system affect quality?
Colo's system serves approximately 853 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 7 violations on record.