WaterVerge

Is Corydon, 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 ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: IA9334078
Overall Score
87.4 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#294 of 436 in Iowa Top 26% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87.4/100
waterverge.com
A- 87.4/100

Corydon, IA — Water Quality Report

Corydon's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,610 residents using purchased surface water.

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 149 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Corydon's water

Corydon ranks #294 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, Corydon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87.4 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36.4/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Corydon, IA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Corydon's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,610 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

2
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Corydon

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Corydon's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4119). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
20 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Corydon's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Corydon's water system has 149 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MONMR
Most recent violations:
Nov 2021 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Oct 2019 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Oct 2019 TTHM Resolved
Oct 1993 trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene Resolved
Oct 1993 1,2-Dichloroethane Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Wayne County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 South Fork Chariton River Near Promise City.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4421
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4119
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3239

Where does Corydon's water come from?

Corydon's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,610 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Chariton River Near Promise City (river).

What Corydon residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Corydon'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

149
Total violations
0
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Nov 2021
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

149 Total
2 Active
0 Health-based
147 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
133
Inorganic Chemicals
6
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
3
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Apr 1991 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Nov 2021 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Nov 2021
Oct 2019 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2019
Oct 2019 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2019
Oct 1993 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
Atrazine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Showing 20 of 149 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Corydon

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Corydon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 422 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
BLENDHOUSE ALLERTON LLC.
Food · BYHEART INC
ALLERTON, IA50008
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)4224.3 mi
EAST PENN MANUFACTURING CO INC
Electrical Equipment · EAST PENN MANUFACTURING CO INC
CORYDON, IA50060
1.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Mar 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Wayne County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Mar 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4421
May 2013
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4119
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3239
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #996
Oct 1992
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #965
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #386

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.0 ppb from 1993 (3.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,610
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Corydon's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Corydon'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 1,610 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Corydon

Corydon is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

South Fork Chariton River Near Promise City
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Corydon

System Name PWSID Population Source
CORYDON WATER SUPPLY IA9334078 1,610 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Corydon compares

Full Iowa rankings →

Corydon's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Corydon (this city)
87.4
Ames
81.5
Iowa avg
72
City Profile

About Corydon, IA

Economic Profile
$52,500
Median Income
$86,219
Median Home Value
$713/mo
Median Rent
2.3%
Unemployment
Community
38.3
Median Age
483
People / sq mi
17.5%
College Educated
63.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Corydon, IA tap water safe to drink?

Corydon's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #294 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.

What contaminants are in Corydon's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 149 violations are on record.

How is Corydon'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 Corydon?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Corydon's water come from?

Corydon's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,610 residents.

How does Corydon's water compare to other cities?

Corydon ranks #294 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 33% of state cities) and #4081 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Corydon's small water system affect quality?

Corydon's system serves approximately 1,610 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 149 violations on record.