WaterVerge

Is Grand Junction, 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 ↓

725 residents served 1 water system PWSID: IA3730098
Overall Score
92.9 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#80 of 436 in Iowa Top 7% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.9/100
waterverge.com
A 92.9/100

Grand Junction, IA — Water Quality Report

Grand Junction's drinking water received a grade of A (92.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 725 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Grand Junction's water

Grand Junction ranks #80 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Grand Junction 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, Grand Junction may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.9 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Grand Junction, IA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Grand Junction's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 725 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
3.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Grand Junction

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grand Junction's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grand Junction's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Grand Junction's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Sep 2023 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2023 Combined Radium (-226 and -228) Resolved
Mar 1999 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jun 1982 Nitrate Resolved
Apr 1980 Combined Radium (-226 and -228) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Greene County has experienced 8 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 North Raccoon River Near Jefferson.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4421
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3239
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1230

Where does Grand Junction's water come from?

Grand Junction's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 725 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Raccoon River Near Jefferson (river).

What Grand Junction residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Grand Junction'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
3.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 20% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

7
Total violations
2
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Sep 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

7 Total
1 Active
2 Health-based
6 Resolved
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
3
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Total Coliform Rule
1
Nitrate Rule
1
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 2023 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2023
Jul 2023 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2023
Mar 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1999
Jun 1982 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1985
Apr 1980 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 1980
Dec 1978 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1979
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Grand Junction

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grand Junction, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
JOHN DEERE PATON
Machinery · DEERE & CO
PATON, IA50217
Manganese19.2 mi
LOUIS DREYFUS CO GRAND JUNCTION LLC
Chemicals · LOUIS DREYFUS CO
GRAND JUNCTION, IA50107
1.9 mi
CENTRAL IOWA READY MIX JEFFERSON
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · RASMUSSEN GROUP
JEFFERSON, IA50129
5.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Mar 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Greene County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Mar 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4421
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3239
Jul 1998
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1230
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #996
Jul 1991
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #911
May 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #868

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 3.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 3.0 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2023 (3.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Grand Junction compares by contaminant

Explore where Grand Junction ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
725
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Grand Junction's water comes from

Groundwater

Grand Junction'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 725 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Grand Junction

Grand Junction is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

North Raccoon River Near Jefferson
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Grand Junction

System Name PWSID Population Source
GRAND JCT MUNICIPAL WATER DEPT IA3730098 725 GW
Regional Comparison

How Grand Junction compares

Full Iowa rankings →

Grand Junction's score of 92.9/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Grand Junction (this city)
92.9
Ames
81.5
Iowa avg
72
City Profile

About Grand Junction, IA

Economic Profile
$42,083
Median Income
$76,587
Median Home Value
7%
Unemployment
Community
39
Median Age
241
People / sq mi
9.5%
College Educated
63.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Grand Junction, IA tap water safe to drink?

Grand Junction's water quality earned a grade of A (92.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #80 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.

What contaminants are in Grand Junction's water?

Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.

How is Grand Junction'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 Grand Junction?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Grand Junction's water come from?

Grand Junction's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 725 residents.

What health violations has Grand Junction's water system had?

Grand Junction has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Grand Junction's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Grand Junction 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 Grand Junction's water compare to other cities?

Grand Junction ranks #80 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 82% of state cities) and #1073 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Grand Junction's small water system affect quality?

Grand Junction's system serves approximately 725 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.