Is Earlham, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.4/100
waterverge.com Earlham, IA — Water Quality Report
Earlham's drinking water received a grade of A (91.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,446 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 23 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Earlham's water
Earlham ranks #134 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Earlham may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Earlham, IA water safe to drink?
Earlham's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,446 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Earlham
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Earlham's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.4/100).
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.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: Barium, Cadmium, Chromium.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Earlham's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Earlham's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 South Raccoon River At Redfield.
Where does Earlham's water come from?
Earlham's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,446 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include South Raccoon River At Redfield (river).
What Earlham 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.
Earlham'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 Earlham
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Earlham, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SIOUX CITY BRICK & TILE CO UNITED BRICK & TILE A DIV ADEL, IA50003 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
LIBERTY READY MIX - VAN METER FACILITY VAN METER, IA50261 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Madison County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Earlham compares by contaminant
Explore where Earlham ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Earlham's water comes from
Earlham's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,446 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Earlham
Earlham is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Earlham
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EARLHAM MUNICIPAL WATERWORKS | IA6115097 | 1,446 | SWP |
How Earlham compares
Full Iowa rankings →Earlham's score of 91.4/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Earlham, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Earlham's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Earlham, IA tap water safe to drink?
Earlham's water quality earned a grade of A (91.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #134 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Earlham's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Earlham'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 Earlham?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Earlham's water come from?
Earlham's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,446 residents.
What health violations has Earlham's water system had?
Earlham has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 1990. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Earlham's water compare to other cities?
Earlham ranks #134 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 69% of state cities) and #1718 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Earlham's small water system affect quality?
Earlham's system serves approximately 1,446 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 23 violations on record.