Is Readlyn, 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 ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Readlyn, IA — Water Quality Report
Readlyn's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 845 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Readlyn's water
Readlyn ranks #316 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Readlyn 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, Readlyn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Readlyn, IA water safe to drink?
Readlyn's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 845 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Readlyn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Readlyn's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Readlyn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Readlyn's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Bremer County has experienced 9 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 Wapsipinicon River Near Tripoli.
Where does Readlyn's water come from?
Readlyn's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 845 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wapsipinicon River Near Tripoli (river).
What Readlyn 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.
Readlyn'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
Flood & disaster history
Bremer County has experienced 9 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Readlyn compares by contaminant
Explore where Readlyn ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Readlyn's water comes from
Readlyn'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 845 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Readlyn
Readlyn is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Readlyn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| READLYN WATER SUPPLY | IA0965073 | 845 | GW |
How Readlyn compares
Full Iowa rankings →Readlyn's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Readlyn, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Readlyn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bremer
Frequently asked questions
Is Readlyn, IA tap water safe to drink?
Readlyn's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #316 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Readlyn's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Readlyn'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 Readlyn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Readlyn's water come from?
Readlyn's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 845 residents.
Is Readlyn's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Readlyn 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 1 violation 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 Readlyn's water compare to other cities?
Readlyn ranks #316 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 28% of state cities) and #4555 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Readlyn's small water system affect quality?
Readlyn's system serves approximately 845 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 1 violation on record.