Is West Union, 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 ↓
91.3/100
waterverge.com West Union, IA — Water Quality Report
West Union's drinking water received a grade of A (91.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,540 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 4 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about West Union's water
West Union ranks #139 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
West Union 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 Union may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Union, IA water safe to drink?
West Union's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,540 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Union
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Union's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Union's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West Union's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Fayette County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Turkey River Near Eldorado.
Where does West Union's water come from?
West Union's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,540 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Turkey River Near Eldorado (river).
What West Union 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 Union'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 Union
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near West Union, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CAPTIVEAIRE SYSTEMS INC WEST UNION, IA52175 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Fayette County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Union compares by contaminant
Explore where West Union ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Union's water comes from
West Union'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 2,540 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near West Union
West Union is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving West Union
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST UNION WATER SUPPLY | IA3383014 | 2,540 | GW |
How West Union compares
Full Iowa rankings →West Union's score of 91.3/100 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 Union, IA
Wikipedia →West Union is a city in Fayette County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,490 at the time of the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Fayette County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Union's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fayette
Frequently asked questions
Is West Union, IA tap water safe to drink?
West Union's water quality earned a grade of A (91.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #139 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in West Union's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is West Union'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 Union?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Union's water come from?
West Union's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,540 residents.
What health violations has West Union's water system had?
West Union has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 1991. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is West Union's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Union 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 4 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 Union's water compare to other cities?
West Union ranks #139 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 68% of state cities) and #1761 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does West Union's small water system affect quality?
West Union's system serves approximately 2,540 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 4 violations on record.