Is Donnellson, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.7/100
waterverge.com Donnellson, IA — Water Quality Report
Donnellson's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 885 residents using purchased ground 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 48 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Donnellson's water
Donnellson ranks #376 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Donnellson purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Donnellson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Donnellson, IA water safe to drink?
Donnellson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 885 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Donnellson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Donnellson's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4732). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Donnellson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Donnellson's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lee County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Donnellson's water come from?
Donnellson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 885 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Donnellson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Donnellson'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.
Donnellson'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 Donnellson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Donnellson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 56 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CONAGRA FOODS PACKAGED FOODS LLC FORT MADISON, IA52627 | Ammonia | 56 | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lee County has experienced 10 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 Donnellson compares by contaminant
Explore where Donnellson ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Donnellson's water comes from
Donnellson purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Donnellson's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 885 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Donnellson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DONNELLSON MUNI WATER WORKS | IA5620046 | 885 | GWP |
How Donnellson compares
Full Iowa rankings →Donnellson's score of 82.7/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Donnellson, IA
Wikipedia →Donnellson is a city in Lee County, Iowa, United States. The population was 885 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Fort Madison-Keokuk Micropolitan Statistica Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Donnellson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lee
Frequently asked questions
Is Donnellson, IA tap water safe to drink?
Donnellson's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #376 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Donnellson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Donnellson'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 Donnellson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Donnellson's water come from?
Donnellson's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 885 residents.
What health violations has Donnellson's water system had?
Donnellson has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Donnellson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Donnellson 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 48 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 Donnellson's water compare to other cities?
Donnellson ranks #376 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 14% of state cities) and #6837 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Donnellson's small water system affect quality?
Donnellson's system serves approximately 885 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 48 violations on record.