Is Walford, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 41 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Walford, IA — Water Quality Report
Walford's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 728 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 98 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 41 remain unresolved.
What to know about Walford's water
Walford ranks #431 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Walford 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, Walford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 40 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Walford, IA water safe to drink?
Walford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 728 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Walford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Walford's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Walford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Walford's water system has 98 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 41 remain unresolved. 40 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Benton 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 Price Creek At Amana, Morgan Creek Near Covington, Cedar River At Edgewood Road At Cedar Rapids.
Where does Walford's water come from?
Walford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 728 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Price Creek At Amana (river), Morgan Creek Near Covington (river), Cedar River At Edgewood Road At Cedar Rapids (river).
What Walford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Walford'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.
Walford'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 Walford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Walford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 21,753 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 | 6.5 mi |
PMX INDUSTRIES INC CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Copper compounds | 603 | 7.9 mi |
RED STAR YEAST CO LLC CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 148 | 8.1 mi |
HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT CO CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Manganese | 1 | 7.5 mi |
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA INC CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Copper | 1 | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Benton 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Walford compares by contaminant
Explore where Walford ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Walford's water comes from
Walford'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 728 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Walford
Walford is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Walford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLOVER RIDGE SUBDIVISION | IA0690301 | 413 | GW |
| GADDIS ESTATES HOA | IA5731302 | 220 | GW |
| WALNUT STREET WELL | IA0690305 | 45 | GW |
| TERRY WATER ASSOCIATION | IA0690304 | 25 | GW |
| WEST WELL (WALFORD) | IA0690306 | 25 | GW |
How Walford compares
Full Iowa rankings →Walford's score of 45/100 is below the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Walford, IA
Wikipedia →Walford is a city in Benton and Linn counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 1,366 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Walford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Benton
Frequently asked questions
Is Walford, IA tap water safe to drink?
Walford's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #431 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Walford's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 98 violations are on record.
How is Walford'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 Walford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Walford's water come from?
Walford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 728 residents.
What health violations has Walford's water system had?
Walford has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 41 violations remain unresolved.
Is Walford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Walford 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 98 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 Walford's water compare to other cities?
Walford ranks #431 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 1% of state cities) and #14307 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.