Is State Center, 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 ↓
93.2/100
waterverge.com State Center, IA — Water Quality Report
State Center's drinking water received a grade of A (93.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,411 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 13 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about State Center's water
State Center ranks #66 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
State Center 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, State Center may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is State Center, IA water safe to drink?
State Center's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,411 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for State Center
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into State Center's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for State Center's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
State Center's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Marshall 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.
Where does State Center's water come from?
State Center's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,411 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What State Center 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.
State Center'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
Marshall 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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how State Center compares by contaminant
Explore where State Center ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where State Center's water comes from
State Center'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 1,411 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving State Center
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STATE CENTER MUNI WATER DEPT | IA6484093 | 1,411 | GW |
How State Center compares
Full Iowa rankings →State Center's score of 93.2/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About State Center, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to State Center's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marshall
Frequently asked questions
Is State Center, IA tap water safe to drink?
State Center's water quality earned a grade of A (93.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #66 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in State Center's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is State Center'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 State Center?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does State Center's water come from?
State Center's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,411 residents.
What health violations has State Center's water system had?
State Center has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is State Center's groundwater at risk of contamination?
State Center 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 13 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 State Center's water compare to other cities?
State Center ranks #66 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 85% of state cities) and #938 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does State Center's small water system affect quality?
State Center's system serves approximately 1,411 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 13 violations on record.