Is Sloan, 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 ↓
91.9/100
waterverge.com Sloan, IA — Water Quality Report
Sloan's drinking water received a grade of A (91.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,042 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.6 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Sloan's water
Sloan ranks #110 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sloan 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, Sloan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sloan, IA water safe to drink?
Sloan's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,042 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sloan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sloan's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.9/100).
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sloan'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
Sloan's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Woodbury 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.
Where does Sloan's water come from?
Sloan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,042 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sloan 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Sloan'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 Sloan
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sloan, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY-GEORGE NEAL SOUTH SALIX, IA51052 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 2 | 8.4 mi |
AG PROCESSING INC SERGEANT BLUFF, IA51054 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
THE ANDERSONS INC. - SERGEANT BLUFF SERGEANT BLUFF, IA51054 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Woodbury 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 Sloan'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. | 6.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sloan compares by contaminant
Explore where Sloan ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sloan's water comes from
Sloan'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 1,042 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Sloan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLOAN WATER SUPPLY | IA9780059 | 1,042 | GW |
How Sloan compares
Full Iowa rankings →Sloan's score of 91.9/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Sloan, IA
Wikipedia →Sloan is a city in Woodbury County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Sioux City, IA–NE–SD Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,042 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sloan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Woodbury
Frequently asked questions
Is Sloan, IA tap water safe to drink?
Sloan's water quality earned a grade of A (91.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #110 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Sloan's water?
Lead was measured at 6.6 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Sloan'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 Sloan?
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 Sloan's water come from?
Sloan's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,042 residents.
Is Sloan's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sloan 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 8 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 Sloan's water compare to other cities?
Sloan ranks #110 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 75% of state cities) and #1457 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sloan's small water system affect quality?
Sloan's system serves approximately 1,042 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 8 violations on record.