Is Elk Run Heights, 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 ↓
91.3/100
waterverge.com Elk Run Heights, IA — Water Quality Report
Elk Run Heights's drinking water received a grade of A (91.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,069 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 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elk Run Heights's water
Elk Run Heights ranks #140 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Elk Run Heights 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, Elk Run Heights may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elk Run Heights, IA water safe to drink?
Elk Run Heights's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,069 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elk Run Heights
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elk Run Heights's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Run Heights's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elk Run Heights's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Black Hawk 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 Cedar River At Waterloo.
Where does Elk Run Heights's water come from?
Elk Run Heights's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,069 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cedar River At Waterloo (river).
What Elk Run Heights 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.
Elk Run Heights'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 Elk Run Heights
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Elk Run Heights, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 9,578 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JOHN DEERE WATERLOO WORKS DRIVETRAIN OPERATIONS AND FOUNDRY WATERLOO, IA50701 | Ethylene glycol | 9,213 | 5.3 mi |
JOHN DEERE ENGINE WORKS WATERLOO, IA50701 | Manganese | 250 | 9.0 mi |
JOHN DEERE WATERLOO WORKS TCAO WATERLOO, IA50703 | Manganese | 115 | 4.2 mi |
KCNG IOWA LLC CEDAR FALLS, IA50613 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
BERTCH CABINET LLC WATERLOO, IA50702 | — | — | 2.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Elk Run Heights
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- WATERLOO COAL GASIFICATION PLANT3.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Black Hawk 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 Elk Run Heights compares by contaminant
Explore where Elk Run Heights ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elk Run Heights's water comes from
Elk Run Heights 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 Elk Run Heights'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 1,069 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Elk Run Heights
Elk Run Heights is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elk Run Heights
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELK RUN HEIGHTS WATER SUPPLY | IA0721014 | 1,069 | GWP |
How Elk Run Heights compares
Full Iowa rankings →Elk Run Heights's score of 91.3/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Elk Run Heights, IA
Wikipedia →Elk Run Heights is a city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,069 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Waterloo–Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elk Run Heights's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Black Hawk
Frequently asked questions
Is Elk Run Heights, IA tap water safe to drink?
Elk Run Heights's water quality earned a grade of A (91.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #140 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Elk Run Heights's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Elk Run Heights'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 Run Heights?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elk Run Heights's water come from?
Elk Run Heights's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,069 residents.
What health violations has Elk Run Heights's water system had?
Elk Run Heights has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Elk Run Heights's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elk Run Heights 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 6 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 Run Heights's water compare to other cities?
Elk Run Heights ranks #140 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 68% of state cities) and #1776 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 Elk Run Heights's small water system affect quality?
Elk Run Heights's system serves approximately 1,069 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 6 violations on record.