Is Dayton, 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 ↓
92.1/100
waterverge.com Dayton, IA — Water Quality Report
Dayton's drinking water received a grade of A (92.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 772 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 14 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Dayton's water
Dayton ranks #103 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Dayton 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, Dayton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dayton, IA water safe to drink?
Dayton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 772 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dayton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dayton's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.1/100).
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-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dayton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dayton's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Webster County has experienced 8 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 Lizard Creek Near Fort Dodge, Des Moines River At Fort Dodge.
Where does Dayton's water come from?
Dayton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 772 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lizard Creek Near Fort Dodge (river), Des Moines River At Fort Dodge (river).
What Dayton 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.
Dayton'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
Flood & disaster history
Webster County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dayton compares by contaminant
Explore where Dayton ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dayton's water comes from
Dayton'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 772 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dayton
Dayton is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dayton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAYTON MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY | IA9425011 | 772 | GW |
How Dayton compares
Full Iowa rankings →Dayton's score of 92.1/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Dayton, IA
Wikipedia →Fort Dodge is a city in and the county seat of Webster County, Iowa, United States, along the Des Moines River. The population was 24,871 in the 2020 census, a decrease from 25,136 in 2000. Fort Dodge is a major commercial center for North Central and Northwest Iowa. It is located on U.S. Routes 20 and 169.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dayton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Webster
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton, IA tap water safe to drink?
Dayton's water quality earned a grade of A (92.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #103 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Dayton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Dayton'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 Dayton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dayton's water come from?
Dayton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 772 residents.
What health violations has Dayton's water system had?
Dayton has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Dayton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dayton 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 14 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 Dayton's water compare to other cities?
Dayton ranks #103 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 76% of state cities) and #1380 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dayton's small water system affect quality?
Dayton's system serves approximately 772 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 14 violations on record.