Is Sioux Rapids, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.4/100
waterverge.com Sioux Rapids, IA — Water Quality Report
Sioux Rapids's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 920 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.5 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 25 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sioux Rapids's water
Sioux Rapids ranks #370 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Sioux Rapids 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.
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, Sioux Rapids may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sioux Rapids, IA water safe to drink?
Sioux Rapids's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 920 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sioux Rapids
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sioux Rapids's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4184). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sioux Rapids'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.
Violation history
Sioux Rapids's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Buena Vista 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 Willow Creek Near Cornell, Little Sioux River At Linn Grove.
Where does Sioux Rapids's water come from?
Sioux Rapids's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 920 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Willow Creek Near Cornell (river), Little Sioux River At Linn Grove (river).
What Sioux Rapids residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sioux Rapids'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.
Sioux Rapids'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 Sioux Rapids
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sioux Rapids, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
REMBRANDT ENTERPRISES INC. REMBRANDT, IA50576 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Buena Vista 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sioux Rapids'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. | 6.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sioux Rapids compares by contaminant
Explore where Sioux Rapids ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sioux Rapids's water comes from
Sioux Rapids'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 920 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sioux Rapids
Sioux Rapids is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sioux Rapids
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIOUX RAPIDS WATER DEPARTMENT | IA1175056 | 920 | GW |
How Sioux Rapids compares
Full Iowa rankings →Sioux Rapids's score of 83.4/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Sioux Rapids, IA
Wikipedia →Sioux Rapids is a city in Buena Vista County, Iowa, United States. The population was 748 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sioux Rapids's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Buena Vista
Frequently asked questions
Is Sioux Rapids, IA tap water safe to drink?
Sioux Rapids's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #370 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Sioux Rapids's water?
Lead was measured at 6.5 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Sioux Rapids'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 Sioux Rapids?
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 Sioux Rapids's water come from?
Sioux Rapids's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 920 residents.
What health violations has Sioux Rapids's water system had?
Sioux Rapids has 13 health-based violations 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sioux Rapids's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sioux Rapids 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 25 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 Sioux Rapids's water compare to other cities?
Sioux Rapids ranks #370 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 15% of state cities) and #6463 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sioux Rapids's small water system affect quality?
Sioux Rapids's system serves approximately 920 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 25 violations on record.