Water Quality in Elk Horn, IA: 10 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Elk Horn's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The compliance record maintained by the EPA for Elk Horn, IA documents 10 water violations — each tied to a specific public water system and assigned a violation category in the federal Safe Drinking Water dataset.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Elk Horn
Water quality varies across Elk Horn's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51531 | C | 61 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Elk Horn, Iowa receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Elk Horn have accumulated 10 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 631 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Elk Horn's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Elk Horn water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 94% of homes built before 1986, Elk Horn has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Elk Horn is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Elk Horn
Elk Horn is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 631 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Elk Horn. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Elk Horn
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Elk Horn Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Elk Horn's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Elk Horn. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-19 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-11-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-26 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-26 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-02-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-02-16 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-09.
Elk Horn vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Elk Horn's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Horn | C | 10 | 1 | 631 |
| Goldfield | B | 0 | 1 | 634 |
| Aredale | D | 0 | 1 | 635 |
| Dumont | B | 1 | 1 | 635 |
Common Questions About Elk Horn Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Elk Horn, Iowa:
Is Elk Horn water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Elk Horn's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Elk Horn tap water? Elk Horn's water receives a grade of C (61/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Elk Horn? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Elk Horn vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Elk Horn compares to the broader Iowa average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Elk Horn.
ZIP Codes in Elk Horn
Elk Horn spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 51531. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.