WaterVerge

Is Pleasantville, 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 ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: IA6377046
Overall Score
91 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#158 of 436 in Iowa Top 12% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
91/100
waterverge.com
A 91/100

Pleasantville, IA — Water Quality Report

Pleasantville's drinking water received a grade of A (91 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,786 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 4 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Pleasantville's water

Pleasantville ranks #158 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Pleasantville 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, Pleasantville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
91 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Pleasantville, IA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Pleasantville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,786 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
2.4 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Pleasantville

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pleasantville's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4119). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Pleasantville's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.4 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Pleasantville's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

MONMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2019 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2018 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U Resolved
Jan 2013 Combined Radium (-226 and -228) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Marion 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 Des Moines River Near Swan, White Breast Creek Near Dallas.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4119
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3239
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1230

Where does Pleasantville's water come from?

Pleasantville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,786 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Des Moines River Near Swan (river), White Breast Creek Near Dallas (river).

What Pleasantville residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Pleasantville'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.4 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 16% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

4
Total violations
2
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Oct 2019
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

4 Total
1 Active
2 Health-based
3 Resolved
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
2
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2019 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Oct 2019
Jan 2018 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2018
Jan 2013 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2013
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
May 2013
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Marion 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.

May 2013
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4119
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3239
Jul 1998
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1230
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #996
May 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #868
Jun 1974
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #443

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.4 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 2.4 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (2.4 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Pleasantville compares by contaminant

Explore where Pleasantville ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,786
Water Systems
2
Source breakdown
Groundwater
1
Purchased Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Pleasantville's water comes from

Groundwater

Pleasantville'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 1,786 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Pleasantville

Pleasantville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Des Moines River Near Swan
river
White Breast Creek Near Dallas
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Pleasantville

System Name PWSID Population Source
PLEASANTVILLE WATER WORKS IA6377046 1,676 GW
VISTA VILLAGE MHC IA6377601 110 GWP
Regional Comparison

How Pleasantville compares

Full Iowa rankings →

Pleasantville's score of 91/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Pleasantville (this city)
91
Ames
81.5
Iowa avg
72
City Profile

About Pleasantville, IA

Wikipedia →

Pleasantville is a city in Marion County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,676 at the time of the 2020 census. Pleasantville is most famous for being the corporate headquarters of Smokey Row Coffee.

Economic Profile
$66,534
Median Income
$154,029
Median Home Value
$752/mo
Median Rent
2.2%
Unemployment
Community
36.2
Median Age
290
People / sq mi
24.5%
College Educated
77.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Pleasantville, IA tap water safe to drink?

Pleasantville's water quality earned a grade of A (91/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #158 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.

What contaminants are in Pleasantville's water?

Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.

How is Pleasantville'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 Pleasantville?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Pleasantville's water come from?

Pleasantville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,786 residents.

What health violations has Pleasantville's water system had?

Pleasantville has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Pleasantville's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Pleasantville 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 4 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 Pleasantville's water compare to other cities?

Pleasantville ranks #158 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 64% of state cities) and #1941 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.