Is Mcgregor, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.8/100
waterverge.com Mcgregor, IA — Water Quality Report
Mcgregor's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 902 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 21 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mcgregor's water
Mcgregor ranks #350 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Mcgregor 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, Mcgregor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mcgregor, IA water safe to drink?
Mcgregor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 902 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mcgregor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mcgregor's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4732). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mcgregor's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mcgregor's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clayton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Yellow River Near Ion, Bloody Run Creek Near Marquette, Mississippi River At Mcgregor, Mississippi River At Clayton.
Where does Mcgregor's water come from?
Mcgregor's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 902 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yellow River Near Ion (river), Bloody Run Creek Near Marquette (river), Mississippi River At Mcgregor (river), Mississippi River At Clayton (river).
What Mcgregor residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mcgregor'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.
Mcgregor'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 Mcgregor
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mcgregor, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
3M CO H & CC DIV PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI53821 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
3M CO-PRAIRIE DU CHIEN BLDG 50 PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI53821 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Clayton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mcgregor compares by contaminant
Explore where Mcgregor ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mcgregor's water comes from
Mcgregor'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 902 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Mcgregor
Mcgregor is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mcgregor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCGREGOR WATER DEPT | IA2258012 | 747 | GW |
| BREEZY POINTE SUBDIVISION | IA2258603 | 130 | GW |
| WALTERS MOBILE HOME PARK | IA2258601 | 25 | GW |
How Mcgregor compares
Full Iowa rankings →Mcgregor's score of 84.8/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Mcgregor, IA
Wikipedia →McGregor is a city in Clayton County, Iowa, United States. The population was 742 at the time of the 2020 census. McGregor is located on the Mississippi River across from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Pike's Peak State Park is located just south of the city. Just to the north of McGregor is the city of Marquette. The community of McGregor Heights lies in the southern parts of the city limits.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mcgregor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clayton
Frequently asked questions
Is Mcgregor, IA tap water safe to drink?
Mcgregor's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #350 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Mcgregor's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Mcgregor'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 Mcgregor?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mcgregor's water come from?
Mcgregor's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 902 residents.
What health violations has Mcgregor's water system had?
Mcgregor has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mcgregor's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mcgregor 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 21 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 Mcgregor's water compare to other cities?
Mcgregor ranks #350 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 20% of state cities) and #5696 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.