Is Manly, 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 ↓
89.6/100
waterverge.com Manly, IA — Water Quality Report
Manly's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,266 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Manly's water
Manly ranks #224 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Manly 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, Manly may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Manly, IA water safe to drink?
Manly's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,266 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Manly
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Manly's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Manly's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Manly's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Worth 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. Local water sources include Spring Creek Near Mason City, Winnebago River At Mason City, Willow Creek Near Mason City.
Where does Manly's water come from?
Manly's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,266 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Spring Creek Near Mason City (river), Winnebago River At Mason City (river), Willow Creek Near Mason City (river).
What Manly 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.
Manly'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 Manly
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Manly, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CURRIES DIV OF AADG INC. MASON CITY, IA50401 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
KRAFT HEINZ FOODS CO MASON CITY, IA50401 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
HEIDELBERG MATERIALS US CEMENT LLC MASON CITY, IA50401 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
POET BIOREFINING - HANLONTOWN LLC HANLONTOWN, IA50444 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Manly
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- MASON CITY COAL GASIFICATION PLANT9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Worth 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Manly compares by contaminant
Explore where Manly ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Manly's water comes from
Manly'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 1,266 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Manly
Manly is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Manly
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANLY WATER SUPPLY | IA9845024 | 1,266 | GW |
How Manly compares
Full Iowa rankings →Manly's score of 89.6/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Manly, IA
Wikipedia →Manly is a city in Worth County, Iowa, United States, whose population was 1,256 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Mason City Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Manly's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Worth
Frequently asked questions
Is Manly, IA tap water safe to drink?
Manly's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #224 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Manly's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Manly'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 Manly?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Manly's water come from?
Manly's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,266 residents.
What health violations has Manly's water system had?
Manly has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 1996. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Manly's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Manly 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 2 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 Manly's water compare to other cities?
Manly ranks #224 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 49% of state cities) and #2721 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Manly's small water system affect quality?
Manly's system serves approximately 1,266 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 2 violations on record.