Is Palo, 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 ↓
92/100
waterverge.com Palo, IA — Water Quality Report
Palo's drinking water received a grade of A (92 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,501 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 4 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Palo's water
Palo ranks #105 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Palo 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, Palo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Palo, IA water safe to drink?
Palo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,501 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Palo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Palo's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrite.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Palo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Palo's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Linn County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Cedar River At Blairs Ferry Road At Palo, Morgan Creek Near Covington, Cedar River At Edgewood Road At Cedar Rapids, Cedar River At Cedar Rapids.
Where does Palo's water come from?
Palo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,501 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cedar River At Blairs Ferry Road At Palo (river), Morgan Creek Near Covington (river), Cedar River At Edgewood Road At Cedar Rapids (river), Cedar River At Cedar Rapids (river).
What Palo 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.
Palo'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 Palo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Palo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROCKWELL COLLINS INC -C AVENUE FACILITY CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52498 | Lead | 0 | 8.6 mi |
CARGILL INC CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
ELECTRO-COATINGS OF IOWA INC. CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52402 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
IOWA SPECIALTIES INC CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
CARGILL INC. CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Linn County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Palo compares by contaminant
Explore where Palo ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Palo's water comes from
Palo'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 1,501 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Palo
Palo is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Palo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PALO WATER SUPPLY | IA5765101 | 1,407 | GW |
| DEER RIDGE HOMEOWNERS WATER ASSC. | IA5765303 | 94 | GW |
How Palo compares
Full Iowa rankings →Palo's score of 92/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Palo, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Palo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Linn
Frequently asked questions
Is Palo, IA tap water safe to drink?
Palo's water quality earned a grade of A (92/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #105 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Palo's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Palo'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 Palo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Palo's water come from?
Palo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,501 residents.
What health violations has Palo's water system had?
Palo has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Palo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Palo 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 Palo's water compare to other cities?
Palo ranks #105 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 76% of state cities) and #1416 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.