Is Essex, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Essex, IA — Water Quality Report
Essex's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 722 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 27 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Essex's water
Essex ranks #213 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Essex 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, Essex may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Essex, IA water safe to drink?
Essex's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 722 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Essex
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Essex's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Essex's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Essex's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Page 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 Essex's water come from?
Essex's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 722 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Essex 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.
Essex'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 Essex
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Essex, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHS SHENANDOAH FEED SHENANDOAH, IA51601 | Zinc compounds | 10 | 5.6 mi |
GREEN PLAINS SHENANDOAH LLC SHENANDOAH, IA51601 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
CENTRAL IOWA READY MIX SHENANDOAH SHENANDOAH, IA51601 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Page 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Essex's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.900 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Essex compares by contaminant
Explore where Essex ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Essex's water comes from
Essex'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 722 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Essex
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESSEX WATER SUPPLY | IA7349023 | 722 | GW |
How Essex compares
Full Iowa rankings →Essex's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Essex, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Essex's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Page
Frequently asked questions
Is Essex, IA tap water safe to drink?
Essex's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #213 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Essex's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Essex'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 Essex?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Essex's water come from?
Essex's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 722 residents.
What health violations has Essex's water system had?
Essex has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Essex's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Essex 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 27 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 Essex's water compare to other cities?
Essex ranks #213 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 51% of state cities) and #2609 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Essex's small water system affect quality?
Essex's system serves approximately 722 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 27 violations on record.