Is Hartley, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Hartley ranks. What to do next ↓
95/100
waterverge.com Hartley, IA — Water Quality Report
Hartley's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,605 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Hartley's water
Hartley ranks #12 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Hartley 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, Hartley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Hartley has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hartley, IA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Hartley's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,605 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hartley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hartley's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95/100).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hartley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Flood & environmental risk
O'Brien County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Hartley's water come from?
Hartley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,605 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hartley 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Hartley'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 ↓Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Hartley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hartley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASSOCIATED MILK PRODUCERS INC SANBORN, IA51248 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
VALERO HARTLEY PLANT HARTLEY, IA51346 | — | — | 1.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
O'Brien County has experienced 5 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. | 3.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hartley compares by contaminant
Explore where Hartley ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hartley's water comes from
Hartley'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 1,605 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hartley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARTLEY MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT | IA7128036 | 1,605 | GW |
How Hartley compares
Full Iowa rankings →Hartley's score of 95/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Hartley, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hartley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across O'Brien
Frequently asked questions
Is Hartley, IA tap water safe to drink?
Hartley's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #12 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Hartley's water?
Lead was measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Hartley'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 Hartley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hartley's water come from?
Hartley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,605 residents.
Is Hartley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hartley uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. Current testing shows the groundwater meets EPA standards. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Hartley's water compare to other cities?
Hartley ranks #12 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 97% of state cities) and #388 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hartley's small water system affect quality?
Hartley's system serves approximately 1,605 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 maintained a clean compliance record.