Water Quality in Lost Nation, IA: 4 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Lost Nation'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 Lost Nation, IA documents 4 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 Lost Nation
Water quality varies across Lost Nation's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52254 | C | 61 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Lost Nation, 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 Lost Nation have accumulated 4 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 434 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Lost Nation'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 Lost Nation water systems is 0.0050 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 94% of homes built before 1986, Lost Nation 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
Lost Nation 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 Lost Nation
Lost Nation is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 434 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 Lost Nation. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Lost Nation
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 Lost Nation Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Lost Nation's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper 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 Lost Nation. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-25 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-25 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-08-29 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-09-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-07-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-07-03 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-05.
Lost Nation vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Lost Nation's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Nation | C | 4 | 1 | 434 |
| Galva | C | 1 | 1 | 435 |
| Ashton | C | 2 | 1 | 436 |
| Dorchester | D | 0 | 1 | 432 |
Common Questions About Lost Nation Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Lost Nation, Iowa:
Is Lost Nation water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Lost Nation's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Lost Nation tap water? Lost Nation'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 Lost Nation? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Lost Nation vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Lost Nation 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 Lost Nation.
ZIP Codes in Lost Nation
Lost Nation spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 52254. 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.