Is Scranton, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Lead and Chlorate were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
76.2/100
waterverge.com Scranton, IA — Water Quality Report
Scranton's drinking water received a grade of B (76.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 504 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 21 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Scranton's water
Scranton ranks #415 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Scranton 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.11 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Scranton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Scranton, IA water safe to drink?
Scranton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (76.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 504 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Scranton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Scranton's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.2/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Scranton's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Scranton's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Greene County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Scranton's water come from?
Scranton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 504 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Scranton residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Scranton's water.
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.
Scranton'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 Scranton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Scranton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
REG RALSTON LLC RALSTON, IA51459 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
SCRANTON MANUFACTURING CO INC - SCRANTON SCRANTON, IA51462 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Greene County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Scranton'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. | 17.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Scranton compares by contaminant
Explore where Scranton ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Scranton's water comes from
Scranton'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 504 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Scranton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCRANTON WATER SYSTEM | IA3759031 | 504 | GW |
How Scranton compares
Full Iowa rankings →Scranton's score of 76.2/100 is on par with the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Scranton, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Scranton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Greene
Frequently asked questions
Is Scranton, IA tap water safe to drink?
Scranton's water quality earned a grade of B (76.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #415 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Scranton's water?
Lead was measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Scranton'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 Scranton?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Scranton's water come from?
Scranton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 504 residents.
What health violations has Scranton's water system had?
Scranton has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Scranton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Scranton 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 21 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 Scranton's water compare to other cities?
Scranton ranks #415 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 5% of state cities) and #9379 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Scranton's small water system affect quality?
Scranton's system serves approximately 504 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 21 violations on record.