Is Lake Mills, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com Lake Mills, IA — Water Quality Report
Lake Mills'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 2,158 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 7 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Mills's water
Lake Mills ranks #150 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lake Mills 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 Mills may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Mills, IA water safe to drink?
Lake Mills'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 2,158 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Mills
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Mills's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4184). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Mills's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lake Mills's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Winnebago 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.
Where does Lake Mills's water come from?
Lake Mills's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,158 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lake Mills 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.
Lake Mills'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 Mills
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake Mills, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DIELECTRIC MFG. - IOWA LAKE MILLS, IA50450 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Winnebago 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.
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lake Mills compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Mills ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Mills's water comes from
Lake Mills'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 2,158 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Lake Mills
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE MILLS MUNICIPAL WATER DEPT-SOUTH | IA9545044 | 2,158 | GW |
How Lake Mills compares
Full Iowa rankings →Lake Mills'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 Mills, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Mills's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Winnebago
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Mills, IA tap water safe to drink?
Lake Mills'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 #150 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Lake Mills's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Lake Mills'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 Mills?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Mills's water come from?
Lake Mills's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,158 residents.
What health violations has Lake Mills's water system had?
Lake Mills has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2001. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake Mills's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Mills 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 7 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 Mills's water compare to other cities?
Lake Mills ranks #150 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 66% of state cities) and #1870 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 Mills's small water system affect quality?
Lake Mills's system serves approximately 2,158 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 7 violations on record.