Is Sidney, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.4/100
waterverge.com Sidney, IA — Water Quality Report
Sidney's drinking water received a grade of B (78.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,077 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 7.9 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 21 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sidney's water
Sidney ranks #409 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Sidney may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sidney, IA water safe to drink?
Sidney's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,077 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sidney
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sidney's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1998). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sidney's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Sidney's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fremont County has experienced 10 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 West Nishnabotna River At Randolph, Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg.
Where does Sidney's water come from?
Sidney's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,077 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include West Nishnabotna River At Randolph (river), Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg (river).
What Sidney residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sidney'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.
Sidney'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
Fremont County has experienced 10 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 Sidney'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. | 7.9 | 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. | 1.68 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sidney compares by contaminant
Explore where Sidney ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sidney's water comes from
Sidney's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,077 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sidney
Sidney is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Sidney
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIDNEY WATER SUPPLY | IA3661048 | 1,077 | SW |
How Sidney compares
Full Iowa rankings →Sidney's score of 78.4/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Sidney, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sidney's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fremont
Frequently asked questions
Is Sidney, IA tap water safe to drink?
Sidney's water quality earned a grade of B (78.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #409 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Sidney's water?
Lead was measured at 7.9 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Sidney'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 Sidney?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sidney's water come from?
Sidney's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,077 residents.
What health violations has Sidney's water system had?
Sidney has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Sidney's water compare to other cities?
Sidney ranks #409 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 6% of state cities) and #8701 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sidney's small water system affect quality?
Sidney's system serves approximately 1,077 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.