Is Elk Horn, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
84.7/100
waterverge.com Elk Horn, IA — Water Quality Report
Elk Horn's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 631 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elk Horn's water
Elk Horn ranks #353 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Elk Horn 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, Elk Horn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elk Horn, IA water safe to drink?
Elk Horn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 631 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elk Horn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elk Horn's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elk Horn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elk Horn's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Shelby County has experienced 7 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 Elk Horn's water come from?
Elk Horn's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 631 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Elk Horn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elk Horn'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.
Elk Horn'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
Shelby County has experienced 7 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elk Horn compares by contaminant
Explore where Elk Horn ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elk Horn's water comes from
Elk Horn'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 631 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Elk Horn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELK HORN MUNI WATER WORKS | IA8325013 | 631 | GW |
How Elk Horn compares
Full Iowa rankings →Elk Horn's score of 84.7/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Elk Horn, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elk Horn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shelby
Frequently asked questions
Is Elk Horn, IA tap water safe to drink?
Elk Horn's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #353 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Elk Horn's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Elk Horn'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 Elk Horn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elk Horn's water come from?
Elk Horn's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 631 residents.
Is Elk Horn's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elk Horn 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 9 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 Elk Horn's water compare to other cities?
Elk Horn ranks #353 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 19% of state cities) and #5749 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Elk Horn's small water system affect quality?
Elk Horn's system serves approximately 631 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 9 violations on record.