Is Montezuma, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.8/100
waterverge.com Montezuma, IA — Water Quality Report
Montezuma's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,295 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.8 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 14 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Montezuma's water
Montezuma ranks #276 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Montezuma may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Montezuma, IA water safe to drink?
Montezuma's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,295 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Montezuma
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Montezuma's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1230). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Montezuma's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Montezuma's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Poweshiek County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Montezuma's water come from?
Montezuma's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,295 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Montezuma residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Montezuma'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Montezuma'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 Montezuma
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Montezuma, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BASF MALCOM, IA50157 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Poweshiek County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Montezuma'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. | 5.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Montezuma compares by contaminant
Explore where Montezuma ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Montezuma's water comes from
Montezuma's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 3,295 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Montezuma
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PONDEROSA UTILITIES INC. | IA7950300 | 1,750 | SWP |
| MONTEZUMA MUNI WATER SUPPLY | IA7950097 | 1,545 | SW |
How Montezuma compares
Full Iowa rankings →Montezuma's score of 87.8/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Montezuma, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Montezuma's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Poweshiek
Frequently asked questions
Is Montezuma, IA tap water safe to drink?
Montezuma's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #276 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Montezuma's water?
Lead was measured at 5.8 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Montezuma'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 Montezuma?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Montezuma's water come from?
Montezuma's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,295 residents.
How does Montezuma's water compare to other cities?
Montezuma ranks #276 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 37% of state cities) and #3816 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.