Is Columbus Junction, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88.9/100
waterverge.com Columbus Junction, IA — Water Quality Report
Columbus Junction's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,830 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Columbus Junction's water
Columbus Junction ranks #250 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Columbus Junction 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, Columbus Junction may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Columbus Junction, IA water safe to drink?
Columbus Junction's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,830 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Columbus Junction
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Columbus Junction's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Columbus Junction's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Columbus Junction's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Louisa 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. Local water sources include Iowa River Near Lone Tree, Cedar River Near Conesville, Iowa River At Columbus Junction.
Where does Columbus Junction's water come from?
Columbus Junction's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,830 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 Lone Tree (river), Cedar River Near Conesville (river), Iowa River At Columbus Junction (river).
What Columbus Junction 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.
Columbus Junction'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 Columbus Junction
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Columbus Junction, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,339,654 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON FRESH MEATS INC-LOUISA COUNTY COLUMBUS JUNCTION, IA52738 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,339,654 | 1.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Louisa 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Columbus Junction'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Columbus Junction compares by contaminant
Explore where Columbus Junction ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Columbus Junction's water comes from
Columbus Junction'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 1,830 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Columbus Junction
Columbus Junction is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Columbus Junction
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLUMBUS JUNCTION WATER SUPPLY | IA5815064 | 1,830 | GW |
How Columbus Junction compares
Full Iowa rankings →Columbus Junction's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Columbus Junction, IA
Wikipedia →Columbus Junction is a city in Louisa County, Iowa. The population was 1,830 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Columbus Junction's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Louisa
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus Junction, IA tap water safe to drink?
Columbus Junction's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #250 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Columbus Junction's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Columbus Junction'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 Columbus Junction?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Columbus Junction's water come from?
Columbus Junction's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,830 residents.
Is Columbus Junction's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Columbus Junction 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 Columbus Junction's water compare to other cities?
Columbus Junction ranks #250 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 43% of state cities) and #3170 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 Columbus Junction's small water system affect quality?
Columbus Junction's system serves approximately 1,830 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.