Is Sanborn, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com Sanborn, IA — Water Quality Report
Sanborn's drinking water received a grade of A (91.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,392 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 33 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Sanborn's water
Sanborn ranks #152 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sanborn 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, Sanborn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sanborn, IA water safe to drink?
Sanborn's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,392 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sanborn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sanborn's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Pentachlorophenol.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sanborn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Sanborn's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
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 Sanborn's water come from?
Sanborn's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,392 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 Sanborn 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.
Sanborn'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 Sanborn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sanborn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POET BIOREFINING - ASHTON ASHTON, IA51232 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
ASSOCIATED MILK PRODUCERS INC SANBORN, IA51248 | — | — | 0.1 mi |
VALERO HARTLEY PLANT HARTLEY, IA51346 | — | — | 7.5 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sanborn's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sanborn compares by contaminant
Explore where Sanborn ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sanborn's water comes from
Sanborn'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 1,392 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sanborn
Sanborn is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sanborn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SANBORN WATER SUPPLY | IA7165025 | 1,392 | GW |
How Sanborn compares
Full Iowa rankings →Sanborn's score of 91.1/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Sanborn, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sanborn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across O'Brien
Frequently asked questions
Is Sanborn, IA tap water safe to drink?
Sanborn's water quality earned a grade of A (91.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #152 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Sanborn's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Sanborn'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 Sanborn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sanborn's water come from?
Sanborn's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,392 residents.
Is Sanborn's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sanborn 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 33 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 Sanborn's water compare to other cities?
Sanborn ranks #152 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 65% of state cities) and #1876 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.
Does Sanborn's small water system affect quality?
Sanborn's system serves approximately 1,392 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 33 violations on record.