Is New Hartford, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.8/100
waterverge.com New Hartford, IA — Water Quality Report
New Hartford's drinking water received a grade of A (93.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 570 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about New Hartford's water
New Hartford ranks #39 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
New Hartford 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, New Hartford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Hartford, IA water safe to drink?
New Hartford's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 570 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Hartford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Hartford's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
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 New Hartford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Hartford's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marshall 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 Iowa River At Marshalltown, Timber Creek Near Marshalltown.
Where does New Hartford's water come from?
New Hartford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 570 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Iowa River At Marshalltown (river), Timber Creek Near Marshalltown (river).
What New Hartford 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.
New Hartford'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 New Hartford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Hartford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ZINPRO CORP SHELL ROCK, IA50670 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
KCNG IOWA LLC CEDAR FALLS, IA50613 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
DELTA MCKENZIE TARGETS LLC DIKE, IA50624 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING CO INC BRENT DIV SHELL ROCK, IA50670 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Marshall 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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Hartford compares by contaminant
Explore where New Hartford ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Hartford's water comes from
New Hartford'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 570 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Hartford
New Hartford is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Hartford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW HARTFORD WATER SUPPLY | IA1271058 | 570 | GW |
How New Hartford compares
Full Iowa rankings →New Hartford's score of 93.8/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About New Hartford, IA
Wikipedia →Marshalltown is a city in Marshall County, Iowa, United States and the county seat of the county. The population was 27,591 at the 2020 census, and was estimated at 27,886 in 2024, making it the 17th-most populous city in Iowa. Marshalltown is home to the Iowa Veterans Home and Marshalltown Community College.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Hartford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Butler
Frequently asked questions
Is New Hartford, IA tap water safe to drink?
New Hartford's water quality earned a grade of A (93.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #39 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in New Hartford's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is New Hartford'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 New Hartford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Hartford's water come from?
New Hartford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 570 residents.
What health violations has New Hartford's water system had?
New Hartford has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is New Hartford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Hartford 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 New Hartford's water compare to other cities?
New Hartford ranks #39 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 91% of state cities) and #736 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Hartford's small water system affect quality?
New Hartford's system serves approximately 570 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.