Is Exira, 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 ↓
89.9/100
waterverge.com Exira, IA — Water Quality Report
Exira's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 764 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 7 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Exira's water
Exira ranks #202 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Exira 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, Exira may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Exira, IA water safe to drink?
Exira's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 764 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Exira
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Exira's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
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 Exira'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
Exira's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Audubon County has experienced 8 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 Exira's water come from?
Exira's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 764 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Exira 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.
Exira'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 Exira
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Exira, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CENTRAL IOWA READY MIX AUDUBON, IA50025 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Audubon County has experienced 8 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 Exira'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.30 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.300 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Exira compares by contaminant
Explore where Exira ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Exira's water comes from
Exira 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 Exira'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 764 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Exira
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXIRA WATER DEPT | IA0520030 | 764 | GWP |
How Exira compares
Full Iowa rankings →Exira's score of 89.9/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Exira, IA
Wikipedia →Exira is a city in Audubon County, Iowa, United States, along the East Nishnabotna River and U.S. Route 71. The population was 787 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Exira's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Audubon
Frequently asked questions
Is Exira, IA tap water safe to drink?
Exira's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #202 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Exira's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Exira'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 Exira?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Exira's water come from?
Exira's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 764 residents.
What health violations has Exira's water system had?
Exira has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Exira's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Exira 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 Exira's water compare to other cities?
Exira ranks #202 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 54% of state cities) and #2524 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Exira's small water system affect quality?
Exira's system serves approximately 764 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.