Is Jewell, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.2/100
waterverge.com Jewell, IA — Water Quality Report
Jewell's drinking water received a grade of B (79.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,216 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Jewell's water
Jewell ranks #403 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Jewell 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Jewell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jewell, IA water safe to drink?
Jewell's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (79.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,216 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jewell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jewell's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.2/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate, Nitrite.
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.
Contaminants: DICHLOROMETHANE.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jewell's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Jewell's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hamilton County has experienced 8 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 Mud Lake Drainage Ditch 71 At Jewell.
Where does Jewell's water come from?
Jewell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,216 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mud Lake Drainage Ditch 71 At Jewell (stream).
What Jewell 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.
Jewell'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
Flood & disaster history
Hamilton County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Jewell's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 10.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 3.10 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.100 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Jewell compares by contaminant
Explore where Jewell ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jewell's water comes from
Jewell'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 1,216 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Jewell
Jewell is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Jewell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEWELL WATER SUPPLY | IA4027010 | 1,216 | GW |
How Jewell compares
Full Iowa rankings →Jewell's score of 79.2/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Jewell, IA
Wikipedia →Jewell Junction, better known as Jewell, is a city in Hamilton County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,216 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jewell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hamilton
Frequently asked questions
Is Jewell, IA tap water safe to drink?
Jewell's water quality earned a grade of B (79.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #403 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Jewell's water?
Lead was measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Jewell'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 Jewell?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jewell's water come from?
Jewell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,216 residents.
Is Jewell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jewell 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 4 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 Jewell's water compare to other cities?
Jewell ranks #403 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 8% of state cities) and #8348 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Jewell's small water system affect quality?
Jewell's system serves approximately 1,216 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 4 violations on record.