Is West Bend, 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 ↓
95.2/100
waterverge.com West Bend, IA — Water Quality Report
West Bend's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 791 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 9 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about West Bend's water
West Bend ranks #9 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
West Bend 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, West Bend may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Bend, IA water safe to drink?
West Bend's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A+ (95.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 791 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Bend
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Bend's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4184). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Bend's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West Bend's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Palo Alto County has experienced 8 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 West Bend's water come from?
West Bend's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 791 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What West Bend 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.
West Bend'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
Palo Alto County has experienced 8 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Bend compares by contaminant
Explore where West Bend ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Bend's water comes from
West Bend'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 791 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving West Bend
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST BEND WATER DEPARTMENT | IA7470099 | 791 | GW |
How West Bend compares
Full Iowa rankings →West Bend's score of 95.2/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About West Bend, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Bend's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Palo Alto
Frequently asked questions
Is West Bend, IA tap water safe to drink?
West Bend's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #9 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in West Bend's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is West Bend'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 West Bend?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Bend's water come from?
West Bend's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 791 residents.
What health violations has West Bend's water system had?
West Bend has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 1994. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is West Bend's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Bend 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 9 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 West Bend's water compare to other cities?
West Bend ranks #9 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 98% of state cities) and #343 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does West Bend's small water system affect quality?
West Bend's system serves approximately 791 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 9 violations on record.