01The verdict: is Elkader water safe?
Elkader's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,219 residents using groundwater (wells).
3 unresolved violations on record
EPA records show open compliance items for this system. Most are administrative, but unresolved items are worth watching.
See what was cited ↓1K people, 2 systems
All figures on this page come from federal EPA compliance and testing data for the systems serving this city.
See the systems ↓Lead is approaching its limit
Measured at 14.0 ppb — 93% of the 15 ppb limit. Within the rules, but with less headroom than you'd want.
See the ledger ↓Elkader's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,219 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 14.0 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 36 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Elkader ranks #375 out of 430 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state. Elkader 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, Elkader may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
02What's in Elkader's water
Every contaminant flagged in Elkader, on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.
Near Limit — EPA Action Level: 15 ppb
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb — no lead level is considered safe for children. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection, and running the cold tap 30 seconds after stagnation reduces exposure.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. | 14.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile lead PF PFAS in Iowa
Cities ranked by compounds detected Cu Copper in Iowa
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile copper
03Elkader's ten-year track record
Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. The system has 36 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
9 of the last ten years were clean. The numbered years had EPA violations — red when any were health-based, amber when they were paperwork or missed-testing issues.
▼ Down 4.6 ppb since 1993. Latest reading: 5.4 ppb (2024) — 36% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
04Where Elkader's water comes from
Elkader's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater
Underground aquifers reached by wells — naturally filtered, but can carry minerals like arsenic and nitrate.
Local treatment
Groundwater generally needs less treatment — typically disinfection and, where needed, mineral removal.
2 systems
2 water systems, operated under local government ownership.
1,219 people
Residents served across Elkader's service area.
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 1,219 people through 2 water systems.
| System name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELKADER MUNI WATER DEPT | IA2223011 | 1,219 | Groundwater |
| SCENIC ACRES | IA2200901 | 27 | Groundwater |
Water bodies near Elkader
These water bodies shape the regional watershed and can indirectly affect groundwater quality.
05Pressure on Elkader's watershed
Outside forces that shape what reaches the treatment plant. None of these is a verdict on the tap by itself — but each adds pressure worth knowing about.
Flood & storm history
10 federal disaster declarations on record for Clayton County. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and push runoff into supplies.
06How Elkader compares
Scores for nearby Iowa cities on one line, with the average marked.
dashed line = Iowa average (72/100)
Elkader scores 82.6/100 — above the Iowa average of 72/100. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities. Full Iowa rankings →
85 / 100CDavenport, IA
55 / 100DCedar Rapids, IA
45.5 / 100FIowa City, IA
42 / 100BAmes, IA
81.5 / 100BSioux City, IA
77.3 / 100
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.→
07What to do at home
Steps matched to what testing actually found in Elkader's water — not generic advice.
Filter drinking & cooking water
NSF-certified water filter. Lead detected at 14.0 ppb
Compare tested filters →Flush taps & check your service line
Lead leaches from pipes as water sits. Run cold water 30 seconds before drinking (especially mornings), and ask the utility whether your address still has a lead service line.
Lead risks explained →Watch for Elkader alerts
This area has a history of flood declarations — after severe weather, watch for boil-water advisories from the utility, and check the live alerts on this page.
All water alerts →Frequently asked questions
Is Elkader, IA tap water safe to drink?
Elkader's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #375 out of 430 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Elkader's water?
Lead was measured at 14.0 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Elkader'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 Elkader?
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 Elkader's water come from?
Elkader's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,219 residents.
Is Elkader's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elkader 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 36 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 Elkader's water compare to other cities?
Elkader ranks #375 out of 430 cities in Iowa (better than 13% of state cities) and #6823 out of 15382 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.