A85/100
May City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 9,114 residents · Iowa
What's In May City's Tap Water?
51
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 1993.
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
OSCEOLA RURAL WATER SYSTEM-SOUTH
Population Served
2,112
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
IA7177701
OSCEOLA RURAL WATER SYSTEM-NORTH
Population Served
7,002
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
IA7227701
Frequently Asked Questions About May City Water
Is May City tap water safe to drink?
May City, Iowa tap water receives a grade of A (85/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 52 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in May City's water?
Of the 52 contaminants tested in May City's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does May City have any water quality violations?
Yes, May City has 7 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2017. Violation types include MR, MCL. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in May City?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in May City is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does May City's tap water come from?
May City's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by OSCEOLA RURAL WATER SYSTEM-SOUTH and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 9,114 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is May City'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. May City'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 May City's water compare to other cities in Iowa?
May City's water quality score of 85/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places May City among the better-performing water systems in Iowa. Visit our Iowa state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about May City's water quality?
If you have concerns about May City'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 (OSCEOLA RURAL WATER SYSTEM-SOUTH) 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.