Is Wellman, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Wellman, IA — Water Quality Report
Wellman's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,524 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 45 violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wellman's water
Wellman ranks #239 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Wellman 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, Wellman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wellman, IA water safe to drink?
Wellman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,524 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wellman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wellman's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Nitrite.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1230). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wellman's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wellman's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 5 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 English River At Kalona.
Where does Wellman's water come from?
Wellman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,524 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include English River At Kalona (river).
What Wellman residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wellman'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.
Wellman'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
Washington County has experienced 5 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 Wellman compares by contaminant
Explore where Wellman ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wellman's water comes from
Wellman'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 1,524 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wellman
Wellman is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wellman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WELLMAN MUNICIPAL WATERWORKS | IA9276096 | 1,524 | GW |
How Wellman compares
Full Iowa rankings →Wellman's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Wellman, IA
Wikipedia →Wellman is a city in Washington County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Iowa City, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,524 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wellman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Wellman, IA tap water safe to drink?
Wellman's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #239 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Wellman's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.
How is Wellman'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 Wellman?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wellman's water come from?
Wellman's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,524 residents.
What health violations has Wellman's water system had?
Wellman has 24 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wellman's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wellman 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 45 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 Wellman's water compare to other cities?
Wellman ranks #239 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 45% of state cities) and #2981 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wellman's small water system affect quality?
Wellman's system serves approximately 1,524 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 45 violations on record.