TapSafetyReport
C52/100

Grinnell Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 10,864 residents · Iowa

What's In Grinnell's Tap Water?

38
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.003 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

14

Violations (last 5yr)

11

Unresolved

11

Health-Related

TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: December 17, 2024 – July 1, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Enforcement: Formal — state order issued

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

LAKE RIDGE, INCORPORATED
Population Served

1,300

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IA5225315

GRINNELL WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served

9,564

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IA7930008

Frequently Asked Questions About Grinnell Water

Is Grinnell tap water safe to drink?

Grinnell, Iowa tap water receives a grade of C (52/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 45 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Grinnell's water?

Of the 38 contaminants tested in Grinnell's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Grinnell have any water quality violations?

Yes, Grinnell has 45 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, MR, Other. 12 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Grinnell?

Grinnell water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Grinnell's tap water come from?

Grinnell's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by LAKE RIDGE, INCORPORATED and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 10,864 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Grinnell's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Grinnell's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Grinnell's water compare to other cities in Iowa?

Grinnell's water quality score of 52/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Iowa state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Grinnell's water quality?

If you have concerns about Grinnell's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (LAKE RIDGE, INCORPORATED) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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