Is Wellsburg, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.9/100
waterverge.com Wellsburg, IA — Water Quality Report
Wellsburg's drinking water received a grade of A (91.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 721 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 25 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Wellsburg's water
Wellsburg ranks #111 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Wellsburg purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Wellsburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wellsburg, IA water safe to drink?
Wellsburg's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 721 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wellsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wellsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
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 Wellsburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wellsburg's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Grundy County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Iowa River At Steamboat Rock.
Where does Wellsburg's water come from?
Wellsburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 721 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Iowa River At Steamboat Rock (river).
What Wellsburg 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Wellsburg'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 Wellsburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wellsburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PINE LAKE CORN PROCESSORS STEAMBOAT ROCK, IA50672 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Grundy County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wellsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Wellsburg ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wellsburg's water comes from
Wellsburg purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Wellsburg's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 721 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wellsburg
Wellsburg is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wellsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WELLSBURG WATER SUPPLY | IA3890097 | 721 | GWP |
How Wellsburg compares
Full Iowa rankings →Wellsburg's score of 91.9/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Wellsburg, IA
Wikipedia →Wellsburg is a city in Grundy County, Iowa, United States. The population was 720 at the 2020 census, a slight increase from 716 in 2000. It is part of the Waterloo–Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is named for George Wells, an early settler in the region.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wellsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grundy
Frequently asked questions
Is Wellsburg, IA tap water safe to drink?
Wellsburg's water quality earned a grade of A (91.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #111 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Wellsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Wellsburg'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 Wellsburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wellsburg's water come from?
Wellsburg's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 721 residents.
What health violations has Wellsburg's water system had?
Wellsburg has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2006. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Wellsburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wellsburg 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 25 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 Wellsburg's water compare to other cities?
Wellsburg ranks #111 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 75% of state cities) and #1463 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wellsburg's small water system affect quality?
Wellsburg's system serves approximately 721 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 25 violations on record.