Is West Branch, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.3/100
waterverge.com West Branch, IA — Water Quality Report
West Branch's drinking water received a grade of B (79.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,909 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 18 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about West Branch's water
West Branch ranks #401 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
West Branch 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 Branch may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Branch, IA water safe to drink?
West Branch's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,909 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Branch
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Branch's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.3/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4119). 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 West Branch's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
West Branch's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cedar County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Rapid Creek Near Iowa City, Cedar River At Cedar Bluff, Wb Wapsinonoc Cr At College St At West Branch.
Where does West Branch's water come from?
West Branch's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,909 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rapid Creek Near Iowa City (river), Cedar River At Cedar Bluff (river), Wb Wapsinonoc Cr At College St At West Branch (river).
What West Branch residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in West Branch'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.
West Branch'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 West Branch
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near West Branch, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PROCTER & GAMBLE HAIR CARE LLC IOWA CITY, IA52240 | Zinc compounds | 10 | 8.4 mi |
LOPAREX LLC IOWA CITY, IA52240 | Toluene | 0 | 8.1 mi |
CARGILL FEED & NUTRITION WEST BRANCH WEST BRANCH, IA52358 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
WEST LIBERTY FOODS L.L.C. WEST LIBERTY, IA52776 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Cedar County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in West Branch's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Branch compares by contaminant
Explore where West Branch ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Branch's water comes from
West Branch'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 2,909 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near West Branch
West Branch is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving West Branch
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST BRANCH WATER WORKS | IA1694000 | 2,509 | GW |
| WEST BRANCH MHP | IA1600682 | 400 | GWP |
How West Branch compares
Full Iowa rankings →West Branch's score of 79.3/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About West Branch, IA
Wikipedia →West Branch is a city in Cedar and Johnson counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 2,509 as of the 2020 census. It is the birthplace of the only American president born in Iowa, Herbert Hoover.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Branch's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cedar
Frequently asked questions
Is West Branch, IA tap water safe to drink?
West Branch's water quality earned a grade of B (79.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #401 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in West Branch's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is West Branch'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 Branch?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Branch's water come from?
West Branch's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,909 residents.
Is West Branch's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Branch 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 18 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 Branch's water compare to other cities?
West Branch ranks #401 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 8% of state cities) and #8305 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.