WaterVerge

Is Hull, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: IA8444063
Overall Score
87.5 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased ground water
#287 of 436 in Iowa Top 26% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87.5/100
waterverge.com
A- 87.5/100

Hull, IA — Water Quality Report

Hull's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,409 residents using purchased ground water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 3 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.

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

What to know about Hull's water

Hull ranks #287 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Hull purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.

As a small community water system, Hull may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87.5 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.5/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Purchased ground water.
Water Safety

Is Hull, IA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Hull's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,409 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
1.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Hull

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hull's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.5/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

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

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4184). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.80 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Hull's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.

MCLMR
Most recent violations:
Aug 2005 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Nov 1997 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Sioux County has experienced 6 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 Burr Oak Creek Near Perkins.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4421
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4184
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3239

Where does Hull's water come from?

Hull's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,409 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Burr Oak Creek Near Perkins (river).

What Hull 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

Hull'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
1.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 12% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.80 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

3
Total violations
1
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Aug 2005
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

3 Total
1 Active
1 Health-based
2 Resolved
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2005
Nov 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1997
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Hull

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
AGROPUR INC
Food · AGROPUR INC
HULL, IA51239
0.4 mi
VALLEY PLATING INC.
Fabricated Metals · NA
ROCK VALLEY, IA51247
9.1 mi
GROSCHOPP INC.
Electrical Equipment · GROSCHOPP INC
SIOUX CENTER, IA51250
6.9 mi
PELLA CORP SIOUX CENTER OPERATIONS
Wood Products · PELLA CORP
SIOUX CENTER, IA51250
6.7 mi
SIOUXLAND ENERGY COOPERATIVE
Chemicals · NA
SIOUX CENTER, IA51250
8.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Mar 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Sioux County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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
Jul 2014
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4184
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3239
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #996
Apr 1969
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #259
Apr 1965
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #193

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Hull's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.80 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.2 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.8 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.700 mg/L from 1993 (2.500 mg/L) to 1994 (1.800 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,409
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Hull's water comes from

Purchased Groundwater

Hull purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.

Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Hull's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.

Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,409 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Hull

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

Burr Oak Creek Near Perkins
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Hull

System Name PWSID Population Source
HULL WATER SUPPLY IA8444063 2,384 GWP
LEWIS AND CLARK REGIONAL WATER SYSTEM IA8486701 25 GWP
Regional Comparison

How Hull compares

Full Iowa rankings →

Hull's score of 87.5/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Hull (this city)
87.5
Ames
81.5
Iowa avg
72
City Profile

About Hull, IA

Economic Profile
$69,583
Median Income
$215,010
Median Home Value
$793/mo
Median Rent
3.4%
Unemployment
Community
35.3
Median Age
638
People / sq mi
20.9%
College Educated
88.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Hull, IA tap water safe to drink?

Hull's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #287 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.

What contaminants are in Hull's water?

Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.

How is Hull'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 Hull?

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

Where does Hull's water come from?

Hull's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,409 residents.

What health violations has Hull's water system had?

Hull has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2005. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Hull's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Hull 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 3 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 Hull's water compare to other cities?

Hull ranks #287 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 34% of state cities) and #4018 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.