Is Van Meter, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Van Meter, IA — Water Quality Report
Van Meter's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,537 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 46 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Van Meter's water
Van Meter ranks #212 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Van Meter 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, Van Meter may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Van Meter, IA water safe to drink?
Van Meter's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,537 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Van Meter
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Van Meter's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Contaminants: Nitrite.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Van Meter's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Van Meter's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dallas 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. Local water sources include Raccoon River At Van Meter.
Where does Van Meter's water come from?
Van Meter's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,537 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Raccoon River At Van Meter (river).
What Van Meter residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Van Meter'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.
Van Meter'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 Van Meter
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Van Meter, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SIOUX CITY BRICK & TILE CO UNITED BRICK & TILE A DIV ADEL, IA50003 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
CENTRAL IOWA READY MIX ADEL, IA50003 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
INLAND COATINGS HOLDINGS LLC ADEL, IA50003 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
LIBERTY READY MIX - VAN METER FACILITY VAN METER, IA50261 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Dallas 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.
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 Van Meter compares by contaminant
Explore where Van Meter ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Van Meter's water comes from
Van Meter'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 1,537 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Van Meter
Van Meter is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Van Meter
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAN METER MUNICIPAL WATER WORK | IA2570046 | 1,074 | GW |
| RIVER OAKS DEVELOPMENT | IA2570302 | 215 | SWP |
| WILDWOOD WATER CORPORATION | IA2570301 | 170 | GW |
| DEER HUNTERS RUN | IA2570304 | 78 | SWP |
How Van Meter compares
Full Iowa rankings →Van Meter'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 Van Meter, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Van Meter's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dallas
Frequently asked questions
Is Van Meter, IA tap water safe to drink?
Van Meter'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 #212 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Van Meter's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Van Meter'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 Van Meter?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Van Meter's water come from?
Van Meter's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,537 residents.
What health violations has Van Meter's water system had?
Van Meter has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Van Meter's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Van Meter 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 46 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 Van Meter's water compare to other cities?
Van Meter ranks #212 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 51% of state cities) and #2592 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.