Is Larchwood, 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 ↓
91.8/100
waterverge.com Larchwood, IA — Water Quality Report
Larchwood's drinking water received a grade of A (91.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 926 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 19 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Larchwood's water
Larchwood ranks #114 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Larchwood purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Larchwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Larchwood, IA water safe to drink?
Larchwood's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 926 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Larchwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Larchwood's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Larchwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Larchwood's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lyon 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.
Where does Larchwood's water come from?
Larchwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 926 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Larchwood 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.
Larchwood'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
Lyon 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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Larchwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Larchwood ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Larchwood's water comes from
Larchwood purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Larchwood's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 926 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Larchwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LARCHWOOD WATER SUPPLY | IA6050059 | 926 | GWP |
How Larchwood compares
Full Iowa rankings →Larchwood's score of 91.8/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Larchwood, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Larchwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lyon
Frequently asked questions
Is Larchwood, IA tap water safe to drink?
Larchwood's water quality earned a grade of A (91.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #114 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Larchwood's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Larchwood'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 Larchwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Larchwood's water come from?
Larchwood's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 926 residents.
What health violations has Larchwood's water system had?
Larchwood has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Larchwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Larchwood 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 19 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 Larchwood's water compare to other cities?
Larchwood ranks #114 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 74% of state cities) and #1500 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Larchwood's small water system affect quality?
Larchwood's system serves approximately 926 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 19 violations on record.