Is Middle Amana, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
84.9/100
waterverge.com Middle Amana, IA — Water Quality Report
Middle Amana's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,248 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 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Middle Amana's water
Middle Amana ranks #346 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Middle Amana 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, Middle Amana may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Middle Amana, IA water safe to drink?
Middle Amana's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,248 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Middle Amana
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Middle Amana's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4430). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Middle Amana's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Middle Amana's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Iowa County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Price Creek At Amana, Clear Creek Near Oxford.
Where does Middle Amana's water come from?
Middle Amana's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,248 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Price Creek At Amana (river), Clear Creek Near Oxford (river).
What Middle Amana 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.
Middle Amana'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 Middle Amana
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Middle Amana, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 21,000 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WHIRLPOOL CORP AMANA, IA52203 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 21,000 | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Iowa County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Middle Amana's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Middle Amana compares by contaminant
Explore where Middle Amana ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Middle Amana's water comes from
Middle Amana'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,248 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Middle Amana
Middle Amana is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Middle Amana
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMANA SOCIETY WATER SYSTEM NORTH | IA4848001 | 1,248 | GW |
How Middle Amana compares
Full Iowa rankings →Middle Amana's score of 84.9/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Middle Amana, IA
Wikipedia →The Amana Colonies are seven villages on 26,000 acres (110 km2) located in Iowa County in east-central Iowa, United States: Amana, East Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, South Amana, West Amana, and Homestead. The villages were built and settled by German Radical Pietists, who were persecuted in their homeland by the German state government and the Lutheran Church. Calling themselves the True Inspiration Congregations, they first settled in New York near Buffalo in what is now the town of West Seneca. However, seeking more isolated surroundings, they moved to Iowa in 1856. They lived a communal life until 1932.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Middle Amana's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iowa
Frequently asked questions
Is Middle Amana, IA tap water safe to drink?
Middle Amana's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #346 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Middle Amana's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Middle Amana'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 Middle Amana?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Middle Amana's water come from?
Middle Amana's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,248 residents.
What health violations has Middle Amana's water system had?
Middle Amana has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Middle Amana's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Middle Amana 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 6 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 Middle Amana's water compare to other cities?
Middle Amana ranks #346 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 21% of state cities) and #5622 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.
Does Middle Amana's small water system affect quality?
Middle Amana's system serves approximately 1,248 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.