Is Ogden, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Ogden, IA — Water Quality Report
Ogden's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,419 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 14 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Ogden's water
Ogden ranks #211 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Ogden 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, Ogden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ogden, IA water safe to drink?
Ogden's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,419 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ogden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ogden's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Ogden'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
Ogden's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Boone County has experienced 6 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 Bluff Creek At Pilot Mound.
Where does Ogden's water come from?
Ogden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,419 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bluff Creek At Pilot Mound (river).
What Ogden 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.
Ogden'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 Ogden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ogden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BESSER QUINN MACHINE & FOUNDRY BOONE, IA50036 | Nickel | 3 | 8.3 mi |
LEVIAT BOONE, IA50036 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
CENTRAL IOWA READY MIX BOONE, IA50036 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Boone County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Ogden'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. | 3.0 | 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 Ogden compares by contaminant
Explore where Ogden ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ogden's water comes from
Ogden'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 2,419 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ogden
Ogden is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ogden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OGDEN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES | IA0858090 | 2,419 | GW |
How Ogden compares
Full Iowa rankings →Ogden's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Ogden, IA
Wikipedia →Ogden is a city in Yell Township, Boone County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,007 at the time of the 2020 census, down 1.8% from 2,044 in the 2010 censure. It is part of the Boone, Iowa Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is a part of the larger Ames-Boone, Iowa Combined Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ogden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Boone
Frequently asked questions
Is Ogden, IA tap water safe to drink?
Ogden's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #211 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Ogden's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Ogden'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 Ogden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ogden's water come from?
Ogden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,419 residents.
What health violations has Ogden's water system had?
Ogden has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Ogden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ogden 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 14 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 Ogden's water compare to other cities?
Ogden ranks #211 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 52% of state cities) and #2584 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ogden's small water system affect quality?
Ogden's system serves approximately 2,419 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 14 violations on record.