Is Lake City, 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 ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com Lake City, IA — Water Quality Report
Lake City's drinking water received a grade of A (91.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,731 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 48 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Lake City's water
Lake City ranks #151 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lake 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, Lake City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake City, IA water safe to drink?
Lake City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,731 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Uranium.
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 Lake City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lake City's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Calhoun County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 North Raccoon River Near Lanesboro.
Where does Lake City's water come from?
Lake City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,731 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Raccoon River Near Lanesboro (river).
What Lake City 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.
Lake City'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 Lake City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BOWIE INTERNATIONAL LLC LAKE CITY, IA51449 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Calhoun County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lake City compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake City ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake City's water comes from
Lake 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 1,731 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lake City
Lake City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE CITY WATER SUPPLY | IA1345043 | 1,731 | GW |
How Lake City compares
Full Iowa rankings →Lake City's score of 91.1/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Lake City, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calhoun
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake City, IA tap water safe to drink?
Lake City's water quality earned a grade of A (91.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #151 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Lake City's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Lake 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 Lake City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake City's water come from?
Lake City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,731 residents.
Is Lake City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake 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 48 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 Lake City's water compare to other cities?
Lake City ranks #151 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 65% of state cities) and #1873 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lake City's small water system affect quality?
Lake City's system serves approximately 1,731 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 48 violations on record.