Is Lenox, 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 ↓
94.7/100
waterverge.com Lenox, IA — Water Quality Report
Lenox's drinking water received a grade of A (94.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,339 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Lenox's water
Lenox ranks #15 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.10 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Lenox may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lenox, IA water safe to drink?
Lenox's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,339 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lenox
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lenox's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.7/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1230). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lenox's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lenox's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Taylor County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 Lenox's water come from?
Lenox's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,339 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Lenox 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.
Lenox'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 Lenox
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lenox, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRECISION PULLEY & IDLER INC LENOX, IA50851 | Xylene (mixed isomers) | 0 | 0.6 mi |
PAPETTI'S HYGRADE EGG PRODUCTS INC LENOX, IA50851 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Taylor County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lenox compares by contaminant
Explore where Lenox ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lenox's water comes from
Lenox'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 1,339 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Lenox
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LENOX WATER SUPPLY | IA8748075 | 1,339 | SWP |
How Lenox compares
Full Iowa rankings →Lenox's score of 94.7/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Lenox, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lenox's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taylor
Frequently asked questions
Is Lenox, IA tap water safe to drink?
Lenox's water quality earned a grade of A (94.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #15 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Lenox's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Lenox'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 Lenox?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lenox's water come from?
Lenox's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,339 residents.
How does Lenox's water compare to other cities?
Lenox ranks #15 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 97% of state cities) and #444 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lenox's small water system affect quality?
Lenox's system serves approximately 1,339 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 6 violations on record.