Is Hazleton, 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 ↓
87.4/100
waterverge.com Hazleton, IA — Water Quality Report
Hazleton's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 803 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 37 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hazleton's water
Hazleton ranks #295 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hazleton 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, Hazleton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hazleton, IA water safe to drink?
Hazleton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 803 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hazleton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hazleton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: LASSO, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Pentachlorophenol.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hazleton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hazleton's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Buchanan County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Hazleton's water come from?
Hazleton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 803 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hazleton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hazleton'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.
Hazleton'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 Hazleton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hazleton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POET BIOREFINING - FAIRBANK LLC FAIRBANK, IA50629 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
WAPSIE VALLEY CREAMERY INC. INDEPENDENCE, IA50644 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
ASHLEY INDUSTRIAL MOLDING OELWEIN, IA50662 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Buchanan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hazleton compares by contaminant
Explore where Hazleton ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hazleton's water comes from
Hazleton'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 803 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Hazleton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAZLETON WATER SUPPLY | IA1031044 | 713 | GW |
| HAZLETON MOBILE HOME PARK | IA1031601 | 90 | GWP |
How Hazleton compares
Full Iowa rankings →Hazleton's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Hazleton, IA
Wikipedia →Jesup is a city in Buchanan County and partly in Black Hawk County in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 2,508 at the time of the 2020 census. It was named for Morris Ketchum Jesup, president of the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hazleton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Buchanan
Frequently asked questions
Is Hazleton, IA tap water safe to drink?
Hazleton's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #295 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Hazleton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Hazleton'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 Hazleton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hazleton's water come from?
Hazleton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 803 residents.
What health violations has Hazleton's water system had?
Hazleton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hazleton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hazleton 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 37 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 Hazleton's water compare to other cities?
Hazleton ranks #295 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 32% of state cities) and #4095 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.