Is Corning, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.2/100
waterverge.com Corning, IA — Water Quality Report
Corning's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,735 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 129 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Corning's water
Corning ranks #302 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Corning may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Corning, IA water safe to drink?
Corning's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,735 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Corning
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Corning's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.2/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Chlorite.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Corning's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Corning's water system has 129 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Adams County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Corning's water come from?
Corning's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,735 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Corning 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.
Corning'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 Corning
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Corning, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRECISION PULLEY & IDLER INC CORNING PLANTS CORNING, IA50841 | Chromium | 0 | 1.8 mi |
POET BIOREFINING-CORNING CORNING, IA50841 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Adams County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 2.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Corning compares by contaminant
Explore where Corning ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Corning's water comes from
Corning's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,735 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Corning
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CORNING MUNI WATER DEPARTMENT | IA0220075 | 1,735 | SW |
How Corning compares
Full Iowa rankings →Corning's score of 87.2/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Corning, IA
Wikipedia →Corning is a city in Quincy and Jasper Townships, Adams County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,564 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Adams County. Corning is located just north of the intersection of U.S. Route 34 and Iowa Highway 148. Corning is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Johnny Carson. Daniel Webster Turner, who was governor of Iowa from 1931 to 1933, was born in Corning on March 17, 1877.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Corning's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adams
Frequently asked questions
Is Corning, IA tap water safe to drink?
Corning's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #302 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Corning's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 129 violations are on record.
How is Corning'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 Corning?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Corning's water come from?
Corning's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,735 residents.
What health violations has Corning's water system had?
Corning has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Corning's water compare to other cities?
Corning ranks #302 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 31% of state cities) and #4216 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Corning's small water system affect quality?
Corning's system serves approximately 1,735 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 129 violations on record.