Is Fontanelle, 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 ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Fontanelle, IA — Water Quality Report
Fontanelle's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 670 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Fontanelle's water
Fontanelle ranks #258 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Fontanelle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fontanelle, IA water safe to drink?
Fontanelle's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 670 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fontanelle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fontanelle's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Atrazine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fontanelle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fontanelle's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Adair County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Fontanelle's water come from?
Fontanelle's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 670 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Fontanelle 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.
Fontanelle'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 Fontanelle
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fontanelle, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
QUAD GREENFIELD LLC GREENFIELD, IA50849 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
CENTRAL IOWA READY MIX GREENFIELD GREENFIELD, IA50849 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
CARDINAL GLASS GREENFIELD, IA50849 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Adair County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fontanelle compares by contaminant
Explore where Fontanelle ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fontanelle's water comes from
Fontanelle's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 670 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Fontanelle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FONTANELLE WATER WORKS | IA0135046 | 670 | SWP |
How Fontanelle compares
Full Iowa rankings →Fontanelle's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Fontanelle, IA
Wikipedia →Fontanelle is a city in Summerset Township, Adair County, Iowa, United States. The population was 676 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fontanelle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adair
Frequently asked questions
Is Fontanelle, IA tap water safe to drink?
Fontanelle's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #258 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Fontanelle's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Fontanelle'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 Fontanelle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fontanelle's water come from?
Fontanelle's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 670 residents.
How does Fontanelle's water compare to other cities?
Fontanelle ranks #258 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 41% of state cities) and #3324 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fontanelle's small water system affect quality?
Fontanelle's system serves approximately 670 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 2 violations on record.