Is Greenfield, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com Greenfield, IA — Water Quality Report
Greenfield's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,939 residents using 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 23 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Greenfield's water
Greenfield ranks #182 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Greenfield, IA water safe to drink?
Greenfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,939 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Greenfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Greenfield's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Greenfield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Greenfield's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 4 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 Greenfield's water come from?
Greenfield's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,939 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Greenfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Greenfield's water.
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.
Greenfield'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 Greenfield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Greenfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
QUAD GREENFIELD LLC GREENFIELD, IA50849 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
CENTRAL IOWA READY MIX GREENFIELD GREENFIELD, IA50849 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
CARDINAL GLASS GREENFIELD, IA50849 | — | — | 0.6 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 Greenfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Greenfield ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Greenfield's water comes from
Greenfield'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 3,939 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Greenfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREENFIELD MUNICIPAL UTILITIES | IA0140007 | 2,227 | SW |
| SIRWA #1 (GREENFIELD) | IA0140701 | 1,712 | SWP |
How Greenfield compares
Full Iowa rankings →Greenfield's score of 90.3/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Greenfield, IA
Wikipedia →Greenfield is a city in and the county seat of Adair County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 2,062. Greenfield is located in Greenfield and Lee Townships.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Greenfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adair
Frequently asked questions
Is Greenfield, IA tap water safe to drink?
Greenfield's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #182 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Greenfield's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Greenfield'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 Greenfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Greenfield's water come from?
Greenfield's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,939 residents.
What health violations has Greenfield's water system had?
Greenfield has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Greenfield's water compare to other cities?
Greenfield ranks #182 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 58% of state cities) and #2287 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.