Is Hamburg, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.5/100
waterverge.com Hamburg, IA — Water Quality Report
Hamburg's drinking water received a grade of A (93.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 890 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 25 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hamburg's water
Hamburg ranks #50 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Hamburg 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, Hamburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hamburg, IA water safe to drink?
Hamburg's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 890 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hamburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hamburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chromium, Mercury, Barium.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1998). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hamburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hamburg's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Fremont County has experienced 10 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. Local water sources include Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg.
Where does Hamburg's water come from?
Hamburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 890 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg (river).
What Hamburg 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.
Hamburg'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 Hamburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hamburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 37,578 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MANILDRA MILLING CO HAMBURG, IA51640 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 37,259 | 0.7 mi |
OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT NEBRASKA CITY STATION NEBRASKA CITY, NE68410 | Ammonia | 319 | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Fremont County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hamburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Hamburg ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hamburg's water comes from
Hamburg'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 890 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hamburg
Hamburg is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hamburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAMBURG WATER SUPPLY | IA3621023 | 890 | GW |
How Hamburg compares
Full Iowa rankings →Hamburg's score of 93.5/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Hamburg, IA
Wikipedia →Hamburg is a city in Fremont County, Iowa, United States, that is the most southwestern city in Iowa, hugging the borders of Missouri to the south and Nebraska to the west. It is situated between the Nishnabotna and Missouri rivers. The population was 890 at the time of the 2020 census. It derives its name from the German city of Hamburg.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hamburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fremont
Frequently asked questions
Is Hamburg, IA tap water safe to drink?
Hamburg's water quality earned a grade of A (93.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #50 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Hamburg's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Hamburg'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 Hamburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hamburg's water come from?
Hamburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 890 residents.
Is Hamburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hamburg 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 25 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 Hamburg's water compare to other cities?
Hamburg ranks #50 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 89% of state cities) and #826 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hamburg's small water system affect quality?
Hamburg's system serves approximately 890 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 25 violations on record.