Is La Porte City, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com La Porte City, IA — Water Quality Report
La Porte City's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,284 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about La Porte City's water
La Porte City ranks #183 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
La Porte City 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, La Porte City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is La Porte City, IA water safe to drink?
La Porte City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,284 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for La Porte City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into La Porte City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for La Porte City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
La Porte City's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does La Porte City's water come from?
La Porte City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,284 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What La Porte City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in La Porte City'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how La Porte City compares by contaminant
Explore where La Porte City ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where La Porte City's water comes from
La Porte City'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 2,284 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving La Porte City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA PORTE CITY UTILITIES | IA0743057 | 2,284 | GW |
How La Porte City compares
Full Iowa rankings →La Porte City's score of 90.3/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About La Porte City, IA
Wikipedia →La Porte City is a city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,284 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Waterloo–Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to La Porte City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Black Hawk
Frequently asked questions
Is La Porte City, IA tap water safe to drink?
La Porte City's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #183 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in La Porte City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is La Porte City'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 La Porte City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does La Porte City's water come from?
La Porte City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,284 residents.
What health violations has La Porte City's water system had?
La Porte City has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is La Porte City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
La Porte City 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 11 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 La Porte City's water compare to other cities?
La Porte City ranks #183 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 58% of state cities) and #2298 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does La Porte City's small water system affect quality?
La Porte City's system serves approximately 2,284 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.