Is Sutherland, 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 ↓
87.9/100
waterverge.com Sutherland, IA — Water Quality Report
Sutherland's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,741 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 21 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sutherland's water
Sutherland ranks #273 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sutherland 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, Sutherland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sutherland, IA water safe to drink?
Sutherland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,741 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sutherland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sutherland's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4184). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sutherland'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
Sutherland's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Osceola County has experienced 7 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 Sutherland's water come from?
Sutherland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,741 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sutherland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sutherland'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.
Sutherland'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
Osceola County has experienced 7 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 Sutherland'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. | 1.1 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sutherland compares by contaminant
Explore where Sutherland ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sutherland's water comes from
Sutherland'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 2,741 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Sutherland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSCEOLA RURAL WATER SYSTEM-SOUTH | IA7177701 | 2,112 | GW |
| SUTHERLAND WATER SUPPLY | IA7177007 | 629 | GWP |
How Sutherland compares
Full Iowa rankings →Sutherland's score of 87.9/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Sutherland, IA
Wikipedia →May City is an unincorporated community in Osceola County, Iowa, United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sutherland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Osceola
Frequently asked questions
Is Sutherland, IA tap water safe to drink?
Sutherland's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #273 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Sutherland's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Sutherland'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 Sutherland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sutherland's water come from?
Sutherland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,741 residents.
What health violations has Sutherland's water system had?
Sutherland has 3 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sutherland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sutherland 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 21 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 Sutherland's water compare to other cities?
Sutherland ranks #273 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 37% of state cities) and #3767 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.