Is South Amana, 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 ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com South Amana, IA — Water Quality Report
South Amana's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,790 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 15 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about South Amana's water
South Amana ranks #209 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
South Amana 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, South Amana may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Amana, IA water safe to drink?
South Amana's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,790 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for South Amana
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Amana's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 South Amana'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
South Amana's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Tama County has experienced 10 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. Local water sources include Iowa River At County Highway E49 Near Tama, Richland Creek Near Haven.
Where does South Amana's water come from?
South Amana's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,790 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Iowa River At County Highway E49 Near Tama (river), Richland Creek Near Haven (river).
What South Amana 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.
South Amana'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 South Amana
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near South Amana, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 21,001 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WHIRLPOOL CORP AMANA, IA52203 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 21,000 | 3.9 mi |
WILLIAMSBURG MANUFACTURING WILLIAMSBURG, IA52361 | Lead | 1 | 7.7 mi |
KINZE MANUFACTURING INC WILLIAMSBURG, IA52361 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tama County has experienced 10 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 South Amana'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. | 0.9 | 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. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.000 mg/L (2011)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how South Amana compares by contaminant
Explore where South Amana ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Amana's water comes from
South Amana'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,790 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near South Amana
South Amana is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving South Amana
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POWESHIEK WATER ASSOCIATION (IAC) | IA4868701 | 2,490 | GW |
| SOUTH AMANA WATER SUPPLY | IA4868034 | 300 | GW |
How South Amana compares
Full Iowa rankings →South Amana's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About South Amana, IA
Wikipedia →Tama is a city in Tama County, Iowa, United States. The population was 3,130 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Amana's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iowa
Frequently asked questions
Is South Amana, IA tap water safe to drink?
South Amana's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #209 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in South Amana's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is South Amana'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 South Amana?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does South Amana's water come from?
South Amana's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,790 residents.
What health violations has South Amana's water system had?
South Amana has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is South Amana's groundwater at risk of contamination?
South Amana 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 15 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 South Amana's water compare to other cities?
South Amana ranks #209 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 52% of state cities) and #2582 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.