Is Williamsburg, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Williamsburg, IA — Water Quality Report
Williamsburg's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,345 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 15 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Williamsburg's water
Williamsburg ranks #271 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Williamsburg 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Williamsburg, IA water safe to drink?
Williamsburg's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,345 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Williamsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Williamsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4430). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Williamsburg'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
Williamsburg's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Iowa County has experienced 10 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 Price Creek At Amana.
Where does Williamsburg's water come from?
Williamsburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,345 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Price Creek At Amana (river).
What Williamsburg 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.
Williamsburg'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 Williamsburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Williamsburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WILLIAMSBURG MANUFACTURING WILLIAMSBURG, IA52361 | Lead | 1 | 0.9 mi |
KINZE MANUFACTURING INC WILLIAMSBURG, IA52361 | — | — | 3.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Iowa County has experienced 10 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 Williamsburg'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. | 3.0 | 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. | 1.36 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Williamsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Williamsburg ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Williamsburg's water comes from
Williamsburg'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 3,345 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Williamsburg
Williamsburg is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Williamsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILLIAMSBURG PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY | IA4884023 | 3,345 | GW |
How Williamsburg compares
Full Iowa rankings →Williamsburg's score of 88/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Williamsburg, IA
Wikipedia →Williamsburg is a city in Iowa County, Iowa, United States. The population was 3,346 at the time of the 2020 census. Williamsburg is known for Holden's Foundation Seeds, a foundation seed corn company, and Kinze Manufacturing, Inc., a farm implement manufacturer.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Williamsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iowa
Frequently asked questions
Is Williamsburg, IA tap water safe to drink?
Williamsburg's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #271 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Williamsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Williamsburg'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 Williamsburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Williamsburg's water come from?
Williamsburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,345 residents.
What health violations has Williamsburg's water system had?
Williamsburg has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Williamsburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Williamsburg 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 15 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 Williamsburg's water compare to other cities?
Williamsburg ranks #271 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 38% of state cities) and #3699 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.