Is New Sharon, 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 ↓
93.5/100
waterverge.com New Sharon, IA — Water Quality Report
New Sharon's drinking water received a grade of A (93.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,368 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Sharon's water
New Sharon ranks #48 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
New Sharon 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 Sharon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Sharon, IA water safe to drink?
New Sharon's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,368 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Sharon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Sharon's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Sharon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Sharon's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mahaska County has experienced 8 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 Near Oskaloosa, Middle Creek Near Lacey, Des Moines River At Eddyville.
Where does New Sharon's water come from?
New Sharon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,368 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 Near Oskaloosa (river), Middle Creek Near Lacey (river), Des Moines River At Eddyville (river).
What New Sharon 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 Sharon'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
Mahaska County has experienced 8 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 New Sharon compares by contaminant
Explore where New Sharon ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Sharon's water comes from
New Sharon'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 1,368 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Sharon
New Sharon is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Sharon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAHASKA RURAL WATER (NEW SHARON) | IA6264063 | 1,368 | GW |
How New Sharon compares
Full Iowa rankings →New Sharon's score of 93.5/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About New Sharon, IA
Wikipedia →Oskaloosa is a city in, and the county seat of, Mahaska County, Iowa. The population was 11,558 in the 2020 U.S. census. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, Oskaloosa was a national center of bituminous coal mining. Today, Oskaloosa is home to William Penn University, a private university, and Lake Keomah State Park which is located four miles east of the city.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Sharon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mahaska
Frequently asked questions
Is New Sharon, IA tap water safe to drink?
New Sharon's water quality earned a grade of A (93.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #48 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in New Sharon's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is New Sharon'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 Sharon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Sharon's water come from?
New Sharon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,368 residents.
Is New Sharon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Sharon 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 12 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 Sharon's water compare to other cities?
New Sharon ranks #48 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 89% of state cities) and #820 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 Sharon's small water system affect quality?
New Sharon's system serves approximately 1,368 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 12 violations on record.