Is Neola, 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 ↓
81.8/100
waterverge.com Neola, IA — Water Quality Report
Neola's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 906 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.4 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 35 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Neola's water
Neola ranks #383 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Neola 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, Neola may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Neola, IA water safe to drink?
Neola's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 906 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Neola
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Neola's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.8/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Neola'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
Neola's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Adair County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Neola's water come from?
Neola's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 906 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Neola residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Neola'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.
Neola'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
Flood & disaster history
Adair County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Neola'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. | 4.4 | 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. | 1.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Neola compares by contaminant
Explore where Neola ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Neola's water comes from
Neola'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 906 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Neola
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEOLA LIGHT & WATER | IA7853043 | 906 | GW |
How Neola compares
Full Iowa rankings →Neola's score of 81.8/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Neola's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pottawattamie
Frequently asked questions
Is Neola, IA tap water safe to drink?
Neola's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #383 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Neola's water?
Lead was measured at 4.4 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Neola'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 Neola?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Neola's water come from?
Neola's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 906 residents.
What health violations has Neola's water system had?
Neola has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Neola's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Neola 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 35 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 Neola's water compare to other cities?
Neola ranks #383 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 12% of state cities) and #7317 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Neola's small water system affect quality?
Neola's system serves approximately 906 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 35 violations on record.