Is Ely, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.3/100
waterverge.com Ely, IA — Water Quality Report
Ely's drinking water received a grade of A (92.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,328 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Ely's water
Ely ranks #92 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Ely 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, Ely may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ely, IA water safe to drink?
Ely's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,328 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ely
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ely's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Arsenic, Nitrate.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ely's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ely's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Linn County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Edgewood Road At Cedar Rapids, Cedar River At Cedar Rapids, Cedar River Below Indian Creek At Cedar Rapids.
Where does Ely's water come from?
Ely's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,328 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 Edgewood Road At Cedar Rapids (river), Cedar River At Cedar Rapids (river), Cedar River Below Indian Creek At Cedar Rapids (river).
What Ely 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.
Ely'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 Ely
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ely, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 762 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PMX INDUSTRIES INC CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Copper compounds | 603 | 6.3 mi |
RED STAR YEAST CO LLC CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 148 | 5.6 mi |
CARGILL INC CORN MILLING CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52401 | Acetaldehyde | 8 | 6.9 mi |
PRAIRIE CREEK GENERATING STATION CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 2 | 5.1 mi |
HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT CO CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Manganese | 1 | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Linn County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ely compares by contaminant
Explore where Ely ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ely's water comes from
Ely'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 2,328 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ely
Ely is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ely
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELY WATER SUPPLY | IA5728018 | 2,328 | GW |
How Ely compares
Full Iowa rankings →Ely's score of 92.3/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Ely, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ely's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Linn
Frequently asked questions
Is Ely, IA tap water safe to drink?
Ely's water quality earned a grade of A (92.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #92 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Ely's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Ely'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 Ely?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ely's water come from?
Ely's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,328 residents.
Is Ely's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ely 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 7 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 Ely's water compare to other cities?
Ely ranks #92 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 79% of state cities) and #1288 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ely's small water system affect quality?
Ely's system serves approximately 2,328 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 7 violations on record.