Is Loa, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
Loa, UT — Water Quality Report
Loa's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 840 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 69 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Loa's water
Loa ranks #60 out of 177 cities in Utah for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Loa 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, Loa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Loa, UT water safe to drink?
Loa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 840 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Loa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Loa's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3223). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Loa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Loa's water system has 69 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wayne County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Fremont River.
Where does Loa's water come from?
Loa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 840 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Fremont River (river).
What Loa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Loa'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWayne County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Wayne County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Loa compares by contaminant
Explore where Loa ranks among all Utah cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Loa's water comes from
Loa'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 840 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Loa
Loa is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Loa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOA TOWN WATER SYSTEM | UTAH28004 | 490 | GW |
| FREMONT WATERWORKS CO | UTAH28002 | 350 | GW |
How Loa compares
Full Utah rankings →Loa's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Utah rankings →About Loa, UT
Wikipedia →Loa is a town in, and the county seat of, Wayne County, Utah, United States, along State Route 24. The population was 516 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Loa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wayne
Frequently asked questions
Is Loa, UT tap water safe to drink?
Loa's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #60 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.
What contaminants are in Loa's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 69 violations are on record.
How is Loa'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 Loa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Loa's water come from?
Loa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 840 residents.
What health violations has Loa's water system had?
Loa has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Loa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Loa 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 69 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 Loa's water compare to other cities?
Loa ranks #60 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 66% of state cities) and #6418 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.