Is Decorah, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.5/100
waterverge.com Decorah, IA — Water Quality Report
Decorah's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 8,569 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 9.4 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.
The system has 82 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Decorah's water
Decorah ranks #391 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Decorah 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.
PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Decorah, IA water safe to drink?
Decorah's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 8,569 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Decorah
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Decorah's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Decorah's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.
Violation history
Decorah's water system has 82 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Winneshiek 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 Upper Iowa River At Bluffton, Upper Iowa River At Decorah.
Where does Decorah's water come from?
Decorah's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 8,569 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Upper Iowa River At Bluffton (river), Upper Iowa River At Decorah (river).
What Decorah residents can do
Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Decorah's water.
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Decorah'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 ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Decorah
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Decorah, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 6 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INFASTECH-DECORAH LLC DECORAH, IA52101 | Manganese | 6 | 1.1 mi |
GEMINI-DECORAH DECORAH, IA52101 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
ROCKWELL COLLINS - DECORAH OPERATIONS DECORAH, IA52101 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
IOWA ROTOCAST PLASTICS INC DECORAH, IA52101 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
DECO PRODUCTS CO DECORAH, IA52101 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Winneshiek 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 Decorah'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. | 9.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | 0.007 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Decorah compares by contaminant
Explore where Decorah ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Decorah's water comes from
Decorah'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 8,569 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Decorah
Decorah is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Decorah
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DECORAH WATER DEPARTMENT | IA9630012 | 7,615 | GW |
| FREEPORT WATER DISTRICT | IA9630001 | 775 | GW |
| SCENIC VIEW ESTATES | IA9630307 | 78 | GW |
| SHERMAN PLACE WATER & ROAD, INC. | IA9630303 | 73 | GW |
| DEERFIELD HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION | IA9630316 | 28 | GW |
How Decorah compares
Full Iowa rankings →Decorah's score of 80.5/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Decorah, IA
Wikipedia →Decorah is the largest city in and the county seat of Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 7,587 at the time of the 2020 census. Decorah is the home of Luther College, a private liberal arts college. It is known for its Norwegian-American heritage and the corresponding Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Decorah's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Winneshiek
Frequently asked questions
Is Decorah, IA tap water safe to drink?
Decorah's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #391 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Decorah's water?
Lead was measured at 9.4 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 82 violations are on record.
How is Decorah'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 Decorah?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.
Where does Decorah's water come from?
Decorah's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 8,569 residents.
What health violations has Decorah's water system had?
Decorah has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Decorah's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Decorah 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 82 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 Decorah's water compare to other cities?
Decorah ranks #391 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 10% of state cities) and #7818 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.