Is Mitchellville, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.4/100
waterverge.com Mitchellville, IA — Water Quality Report
Mitchellville's drinking water received a grade of A (90.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,515 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 11 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mitchellville's water
Mitchellville ranks #177 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mitchellville 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, Mitchellville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mitchellville, IA water safe to drink?
Mitchellville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,515 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mitchellville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mitchellville's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mitchellville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mitchellville's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Polk County has experienced 9 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 South Skunk River At Colfax, Indian Creek Near Mingo.
Where does Mitchellville's water come from?
Mitchellville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,515 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Skunk River At Colfax (river), Indian Creek Near Mingo (river).
What Mitchellville 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.
Mitchellville'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 Mitchellville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mitchellville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KENT NUTRITION GROUP INC ALTOONA, IA50009 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Polk County has experienced 9 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mitchellville compares by contaminant
Explore where Mitchellville ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mitchellville's water comes from
Mitchellville'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 2,515 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mitchellville
Mitchellville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mitchellville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MITCHELLVILLE WATER SUPPLY | IA7751092 | 2,515 | GW |
How Mitchellville compares
Full Iowa rankings →Mitchellville's score of 90.4/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Mitchellville, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mitchellville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Mitchellville, IA tap water safe to drink?
Mitchellville's water quality earned a grade of A (90.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #177 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Mitchellville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Mitchellville'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 Mitchellville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mitchellville's water come from?
Mitchellville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,515 residents.
What health violations has Mitchellville's water system had?
Mitchellville has 1 health-based violation 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mitchellville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mitchellville 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 11 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 Mitchellville's water compare to other cities?
Mitchellville ranks #177 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 59% of state cities) and #2230 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mitchellville's small water system affect quality?
Mitchellville's system serves approximately 2,515 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 11 violations on record.