Is Fairbank, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Fairbank ranks. What to do next ↓
94.5/100
waterverge.com Fairbank, IA — Water Quality Report
Fairbank's drinking water received a grade of A (94.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,111 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 11 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Fairbank's water
Fairbank ranks #17 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Fairbank 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, Fairbank may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fairbank, IA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Fairbank's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.5/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,111 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fairbank
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fairbank's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fairbank's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fairbank's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Buchanan 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 Little Wapsipinicon River Near Oran.
Where does Fairbank's water come from?
Fairbank's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,111 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Wapsipinicon River Near Oran (river).
What Fairbank 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.
Fairbank'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 Fairbank
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fairbank, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POET BIOREFINING - FAIRBANK LLC FAIRBANK, IA50629 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
ASHLEY INDUSTRIAL MOLDING OELWEIN, IA50662 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Buchanan 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fairbank compares by contaminant
Explore where Fairbank ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fairbank's water comes from
Fairbank 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 Fairbank'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 1,111 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fairbank
Fairbank is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fairbank
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIRBANK WATER SUPPLY | IA1025031 | 1,111 | GWP |
How Fairbank compares
Full Iowa rankings →Fairbank's score of 94.5/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Fairbank, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fairbank's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Buchanan
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairbank, IA tap water safe to drink?
Fairbank's water quality earned a grade of A (94.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #17 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Fairbank's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Fairbank'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 Fairbank?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fairbank's water come from?
Fairbank's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,111 residents.
What health violations has Fairbank's water system had?
Fairbank has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Fairbank's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fairbank 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 11 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 Fairbank's water compare to other cities?
Fairbank ranks #17 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 96% of state cities) and #487 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fairbank's small water system affect quality?
Fairbank's system serves approximately 1,111 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 11 violations on record.