Is Durant, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Durant ranks. What to do next ↓
93.1/100
waterverge.com Durant, IA — Water Quality Report
Durant's drinking water received a grade of A (93.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,871 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 4 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Durant's water
Durant ranks #69 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Durant 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.
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.
As a small community water system, Durant may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Durant, IA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Durant's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (93.1/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,871 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Durant
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Durant's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4119). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Durant'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.
Violation history
Durant's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Cedar County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Durant's water come from?
Durant's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,871 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Durant 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Durant'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 Durant
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Durant, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 22,925 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SSAB IOWA INC. MUSCATINE, IA52761 | Sodium nitrite | 21,869 | 9.2 mi |
GERDAU WILTON WILTON, IA52778 | Manganese compounds | 1,056 | 6.4 mi |
TWIN STATE INC DURANT, IA52747 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
CENTRAL PETROLEUM CO WALCOTT, IA52773 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Cedar County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Durant'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Durant compares by contaminant
Explore where Durant ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Durant's water comes from
Durant'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 1,871 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Durant
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DURANT WATER SUPPLY | IA1636090 | 1,871 | GW |
How Durant compares
Full Iowa rankings →Durant's score of 93.1/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Durant, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Durant's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cedar
Frequently asked questions
Is Durant, IA tap water safe to drink?
Durant's water quality earned a grade of A (93.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #69 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Durant's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Durant'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 Durant?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Durant's water come from?
Durant's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,871 residents.
What health violations has Durant's water system had?
Durant has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Durant's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Durant 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 4 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 Durant's water compare to other cities?
Durant ranks #69 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 84% of state cities) and #966 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Durant's small water system affect quality?
Durant's system serves approximately 1,871 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 4 violations on record.