Is Peosta, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.8/100
waterverge.com Peosta, IA — Water Quality Report
Peosta's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,987 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 65 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Peosta's water
Peosta ranks #254 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Peosta 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, Peosta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Peosta, IA water safe to drink?
Peosta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,987 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Peosta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Peosta's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4732). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Peosta's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Peosta's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dubuque 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 Middle Fk Little Maquoketa R Nr Rickardsville.
Where does Peosta's water come from?
Peosta's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,987 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Middle Fk Little Maquoketa R Nr Rickardsville (river).
What Peosta residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Peosta'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.
Peosta'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 Peosta
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Peosta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 9 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AY MCDONALD MANUFACTURING CO DUBUQUE, IA52002 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 6 | 5.8 mi |
GIESE MANUFACTURING DUBUQUE, IA52002 | Manganese | 3 | 4.8 mi |
DUBUQUE STAMPING & MANUFACTURING INC DUBUQUE, IA52001 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
PRAIRIE FARMS DUBUQUE, IA52001 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
ADAMS CO DUBUQUE, IA52002 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Dubuque 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Peosta compares by contaminant
Explore where Peosta ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Peosta's water comes from
Peosta'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 2,987 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Peosta
Peosta is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Peosta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEOSTA WATER SUPPLY | IA3170001 | 2,278 | GW |
| BURDS GREEN ACRES SUBDIVISION | IA3170302 | 312 | GW |
| THUNDER HILLS HOME & UTILITY ASSOC. | IA3170335 | 300 | GW |
| LOST CANYON MHP (PEOSTA) | IA3100608 | 97 | GW |
How Peosta compares
Full Iowa rankings →Peosta's score of 88.8/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Peosta, IA
Wikipedia →Peosta is a city in Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, and an exurb of the city of Dubuque. It is part of the Dubuque, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,908 in the 2020 census, an increase of 193% from 651 in 2000. Peosta experienced a 70% increase in population (estimated) from 2000 to 2007, making it the state's 10th fastest-growing city during that period. Peosta is currently the sixth-largest city in Dubuque County. The community is home to the 2015 ASA D Northern Nationals Men's Slow Pitch Champions, Kass & Company, a large industrial park, the largest campus of Northeast Iowa Community College, and a handful of new commercial businesses. However, the city is increasingly becoming a bedroom community, much like nearby Asbury, made up of suburban subdivisions.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Peosta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dubuque
Frequently asked questions
Is Peosta, IA tap water safe to drink?
Peosta's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #254 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Peosta's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Peosta'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 Peosta?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Peosta's water come from?
Peosta's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,987 residents.
What health violations has Peosta's water system had?
Peosta has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Peosta's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Peosta 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 65 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 Peosta's water compare to other cities?
Peosta ranks #254 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 42% of state cities) and #3233 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.