Is Sac City, 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 ↓
91.6/100
waterverge.com Sac City, IA — Water Quality Report
Sac City's drinking water received a grade of A (91.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,063 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Sac City's water
Sac City ranks #119 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sac City 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, Sac City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sac City, IA water safe to drink?
Sac City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,063 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sac City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sac City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4430). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sac City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sac City's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sac County has experienced 8 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 North Raccoon River Near Sac City, Black Hawk Lake At Lake View.
Where does Sac City's water come from?
Sac City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,063 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Raccoon River Near Sac City (river), Black Hawk Lake At Lake View (lake).
What Sac City 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.
Sac City'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 Sac City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sac City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HANCOCK CONCRETE PRODUCTS LAKE VIEW, IA51450 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
EVAPCO - LAKEVIEW LAKE VIEW, IA51450 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sac County has experienced 8 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sac City compares by contaminant
Explore where Sac City ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sac City's water comes from
Sac City'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 2,063 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sac City
Sac City is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sac City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAC CITY MUNICIPAL WATER PLANT | IA8150015 | 2,063 | GW |
How Sac City compares
Full Iowa rankings →Sac City's score of 91.6/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Sac City, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sac City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sac
Frequently asked questions
Is Sac City, IA tap water safe to drink?
Sac City's water quality earned a grade of A (91.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #119 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Sac City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Sac City'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 Sac City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sac City's water come from?
Sac City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,063 residents.
Is Sac City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sac City 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 3 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 Sac City's water compare to other cities?
Sac City ranks #119 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 73% of state cities) and #1585 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sac City's small water system affect quality?
Sac City's system serves approximately 2,063 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 3 violations on record.