Is Sumner, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Sumner ranks. What to do next ↓
95.1/100
waterverge.com Sumner, IA — Water Quality Report
Sumner's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,030 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 38 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Sumner's water
Sumner ranks #11 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Sumner 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, Sumner may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sumner, IA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Sumner's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95.1/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,030 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sumner
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sumner's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sumner's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sumner's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Bremer County has experienced 9 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 Little Wapsipinicon River Near Oran.
Where does Sumner's water come from?
Sumner's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,030 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Wapsipinicon River Near Oran (river).
What Sumner 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.
Sumner'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
Bremer County has experienced 9 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sumner compares by contaminant
Explore where Sumner ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sumner's water comes from
Sumner'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 2,030 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sumner
Sumner is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sumner
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUMNER WATER SUPPLY | IA0970006 | 2,030 | GW |
How Sumner compares
Full Iowa rankings →Sumner's score of 95.1/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Sumner, IA
Wikipedia →Sumner is a city in Bremer County, Iowa, United States. The city is located along the county's eastern border, between Bremer and Fayette counties. The population was 2,030 at the time of the 2020 census. The Bremer County portion of Sumner is part of the Waterloo–Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sumner's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bremer
Frequently asked questions
Is Sumner, IA tap water safe to drink?
Sumner's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #11 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Sumner's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Sumner'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 Sumner?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sumner's water come from?
Sumner's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,030 residents.
Is Sumner's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sumner 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 38 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 Sumner's water compare to other cities?
Sumner ranks #11 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 97% of state cities) and #351 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sumner's small water system affect quality?
Sumner's system serves approximately 2,030 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 38 violations on record.