WaterVerge

Is West Point, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

921 residents served 1 water system PWSID: IA5691012
Overall Score
89.6 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#228 of 436 in Iowa Top 18% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.6/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.6/100

West Point, IA — Water Quality Report

West Point's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 921 residents using purchased surface water.

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 37 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about West Point's water

West Point ranks #228 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

As a small community water system, West Point may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.6 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
40.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is West Point, IA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

West Point's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 921 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

2
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for West Point

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Point's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4732). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Point's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

West Point's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Aug 2024 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Dec 2022 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jun 2012 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2011 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Mar 2011 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Lee County has experienced 10 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.

FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4732
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4421
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4119

Where does West Point's water come from?

West Point's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 921 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What West Point residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

West Point'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

37
Total violations
13
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Aug 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

37 Total
2 Active
13 Health-based
35 Resolved
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
19
Total Coliform Rule
9
Inorganic Chemicals
5
Revised Total Coliform Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Jun 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 2024 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Aug 2024
Dec 2022 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Dec 2022
Jul 2011 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2011
Mar 2011 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2011
Aug 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 1998
May 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1997
Nov 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1996
Apr 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 1996
Dec 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Aug 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 1993
Aug 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 1993
Oct 1991 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1991
Oct 1991 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1991
Oct 1991 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1991
Oct 1991 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1991
Oct 1991 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1991
Oct 1991 Resolved
Radium-226
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1991
Oct 1991 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1991
Showing 20 of 37 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of West Point

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near West Point, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 15,312 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CLIMAX MOLYBDENUM CO
Primary Metals · FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC
FORT MADISON, IA52627
Molybdenum trioxide15,2568.4 mi
CONAGRA FOODS PACKAGED FOODS LLC
Food · CONAGRA BRANDS INC
FORT MADISON, IA52627
Ammonia569.7 mi
SCOTTS CO FORT MADISON IOWA
Chemicals · THE SCOTTS MIRACLE GRO CO LLC
FORT MADISON, IA52627
7.8 mi
AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS USA LLC- FORT MADISON PLANT
Chemicals · AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS LLC
FORT MADISON, IA52627
7.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Aug 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Lee County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2023
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4732
Mar 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4421
May 2013
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4119
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3239
Jun 2002
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1420
Jul 1998
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1230

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 9.0 ppb from 1993 (9.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how West Point compares by contaminant

Explore where West Point ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
921
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where West Point's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

West Point's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 921 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving West Point

System Name PWSID Population Source
WEST POINT MUNI WATER SYSTEM IA5691012 921 SWP
Regional Comparison

How West Point compares

Full Iowa rankings →

West Point's score of 89.6/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

West Point (this city)
89.6
Ames
81.5
Iowa avg
72
City Profile

About West Point, IA

Wikipedia →

West Point is a city in Lee County, Iowa, United States. The population was 921 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Fort Madison–Keokuk, IA-MO Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$59,583
Median Income
$153,866
Median Home Value
1.1%
Unemployment
Community
38.1
Median Age
555
People / sq mi
27.1%
College Educated
80.1%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is West Point, IA tap water safe to drink?

West Point's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #228 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.

What contaminants are in West Point's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.

How is West Point'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 Point?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does West Point's water come from?

West Point's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 921 residents.

What health violations has West Point's water system had?

West Point has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

How does West Point's water compare to other cities?

West Point ranks #228 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 48% of state cities) and #2737 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does West Point's small water system affect quality?

West Point's system serves approximately 921 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 37 violations on record.