Is Dunlap, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.6/100
waterverge.com Dunlap, IA — Water Quality Report
Dunlap's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,035 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 16 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dunlap's water
Dunlap ranks #320 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Dunlap 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, Dunlap may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dunlap, IA water safe to drink?
Dunlap's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,035 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dunlap
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dunlap's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1998). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dunlap's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dunlap's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Harrison 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. Local water sources include Willow Creek Near Soldier.
Where does Dunlap's water come from?
Dunlap's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,035 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Willow Creek Near Soldier (river).
What Dunlap residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dunlap'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.
Dunlap'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
Harrison 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dunlap compares by contaminant
Explore where Dunlap ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dunlap's water comes from
Dunlap'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 1,035 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dunlap
Dunlap is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dunlap
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUNLAP WATER SUPPLY | IA4316087 | 1,035 | GW |
How Dunlap compares
Full Iowa rankings →Dunlap's score of 86.6/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Dunlap, IA
Wikipedia →Dunlap is a city in Harrison and Crawford counties, Iowa, United States, along the Boyer River. The population was 1,038 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dunlap's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Harrison
Frequently asked questions
Is Dunlap, IA tap water safe to drink?
Dunlap's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #320 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Dunlap's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Dunlap'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 Dunlap?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dunlap's water come from?
Dunlap's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,035 residents.
What health violations has Dunlap's water system had?
Dunlap has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dunlap's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dunlap 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 16 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 Dunlap's water compare to other cities?
Dunlap ranks #320 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 27% of state cities) and #4613 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dunlap's small water system affect quality?
Dunlap's system serves approximately 1,035 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 16 violations on record.