Is Primghar, 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 ↓
88.9/100
waterverge.com Primghar, IA — Water Quality Report
Primghar's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 896 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Primghar's water
Primghar ranks #253 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Primghar 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, Primghar may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Primghar, IA water safe to drink?
Primghar's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 896 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Primghar
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Primghar's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Primghar's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Primghar's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
O'Brien County has experienced 5 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 Little Floyd River Near Sanborn.
Where does Primghar's water come from?
Primghar's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 896 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Floyd River Near Sanborn (river).
What Primghar 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Primghar'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 Primghar
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Primghar, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASSOCIATED MILK PRODUCERS INC SANBORN, IA51248 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
VALERO HARTLEY PLANT HARTLEY, IA51346 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
O'Brien County has experienced 5 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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Primghar compares by contaminant
Explore where Primghar ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Primghar's water comes from
Primghar'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 896 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Primghar
Primghar is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Primghar
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRIMGHAR MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY | IA7155059 | 896 | GW |
How Primghar compares
Full Iowa rankings →Primghar's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Primghar, IA
Wikipedia →Primghar is a city in, and the county seat of, O'Brien County, Iowa, United States. The population was 896 at the time of the 2020 census. Primghar is 23.5 miles south of Iowa State Highway 9, 28 miles east of Sioux Center, and 6.75 miles north of Iowa State Highway 10.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Primghar's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across O'Brien
Frequently asked questions
Is Primghar, IA tap water safe to drink?
Primghar's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #253 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Primghar's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Primghar'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 Primghar?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Primghar's water come from?
Primghar's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 896 residents.
Is Primghar's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Primghar 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 Primghar's water compare to other cities?
Primghar ranks #253 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 42% of state cities) and #3186 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.
Does Primghar's small water system affect quality?
Primghar's system serves approximately 896 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 4 violations on record.