Is Keosauqua, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.3/100
waterverge.com Keosauqua, IA — Water Quality Report
Keosauqua's drinking water received a grade of A (91.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 961 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 11 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Keosauqua's water
Keosauqua ranks #141 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Keosauqua may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Keosauqua, IA water safe to drink?
Keosauqua's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 961 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Keosauqua
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Keosauqua's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.3/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4119). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Keosauqua's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Keosauqua's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Van Buren County has experienced 7 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 Des Moines River At Keosauqua.
Where does Keosauqua's water come from?
Keosauqua's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 961 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Des Moines River At Keosauqua (river).
What Keosauqua 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.
Keosauqua'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 Keosauqua
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Keosauqua, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HILL PHOENIX SPECIALTY DIV KEOSAUQUA, IA52565 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Van Buren County has experienced 7 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Keosauqua compares by contaminant
Explore where Keosauqua ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Keosauqua's water comes from
Keosauqua's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 961 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Keosauqua
Keosauqua is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Keosauqua
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEOSAUQUA WATER WORKS | IA8938026 | 961 | SWP |
How Keosauqua compares
Full Iowa rankings →Keosauqua's score of 91.3/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Keosauqua, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Keosauqua's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Van Buren
Frequently asked questions
Is Keosauqua, IA tap water safe to drink?
Keosauqua's water quality earned a grade of A (91.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #141 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Keosauqua's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Keosauqua'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 Keosauqua?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Keosauqua's water come from?
Keosauqua's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 961 residents.
What health violations has Keosauqua's water system had?
Keosauqua has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Keosauqua's water compare to other cities?
Keosauqua ranks #141 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 68% of state cities) and #1777 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Keosauqua's small water system affect quality?
Keosauqua's system serves approximately 961 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 11 violations on record.