Is Montrose, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Montrose ranks. What to do next ↓
94.5/100
waterverge.com Montrose, IA — Water Quality Report
Montrose's drinking water received a grade of A (94.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 738 residents using purchased surface water.
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 7 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Montrose's water
Montrose ranks #19 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
As a small community water system, Montrose may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Montrose, IA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Montrose's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.5/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 738 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Montrose
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Montrose's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4732). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrite.
Contaminants: Nitrite.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Montrose's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Montrose's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lee County has experienced 10 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 Mississippi River At Keokuk.
Where does Montrose's water come from?
Montrose's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 738 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River At Keokuk (river).
What Montrose 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.
Montrose'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 Montrose
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Montrose, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 153,116 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROQUETTE AMERICA INC KEOKUK, IA52632 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 137,800 | 9.5 mi |
CLIMAX MOLYBDENUM CO FORT MADISON, IA52627 | Molybdenum trioxide | 15,256 | 8.1 mi |
CONAGRA FOODS PACKAGED FOODS LLC FORT MADISON, IA52627 | Ammonia | 56 | 3.5 mi |
KEOKUK STEEL CASTINGS KEOKUK, IA52632 | Manganese | 4 | 6.4 mi |
SCOTTS CO FORT MADISON IOWA FORT MADISON, IA52627 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lee County has experienced 10 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 Montrose compares by contaminant
Explore where Montrose ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Montrose's water comes from
Montrose'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 738 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Montrose
Montrose is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Montrose
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTROSE WATER WORKS | IA5650003 | 738 | SWP |
How Montrose compares
Full Iowa rankings →Montrose's score of 94.5/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Montrose, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Montrose's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lee
Frequently asked questions
Is Montrose, IA tap water safe to drink?
Montrose's water quality earned a grade of A (94.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Montrose's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Montrose'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 Montrose?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Montrose's water come from?
Montrose's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 738 residents.
What health violations has Montrose's water system had?
Montrose has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does Montrose's water compare to other cities?
Montrose ranks #19 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 96% of state cities) and #496 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Montrose's small water system affect quality?
Montrose's system serves approximately 738 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 7 violations on record.