Water Quality in Maxwell, IA: 2 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Maxwell'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
Maxwell in IA has 2 EPA water violations documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Maxwell
Water quality varies across Maxwell's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50161 | C | 64 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Maxwell, Iowa receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 64 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Maxwell have accumulated 2 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 859 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Maxwell'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 Maxwell water systems is 0.0040 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 70% of homes built before 1986, Maxwell 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
Maxwell 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 Maxwell
Maxwell is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 859 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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Maxwell. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Maxwell
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Maxwell. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-04-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-04-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-03-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-03-16 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-03-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-11-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-07-30 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-07-30 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-07-06 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-04-19.
Maxwell vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Maxwell's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxwell | C | 2 | 1 | 859 |
| Gifford | D | 0 | 1 | 860 |
| Hubbard | C | 0 | 1 | 860 |
| Buffalo Center | C | 0 | 1 | 857 |
Common Questions About Maxwell Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Maxwell, Iowa:
Is Maxwell water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Maxwell's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Maxwell tap water? Maxwell's water receives a grade of C (64/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Maxwell? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Maxwell vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Maxwell 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 Maxwell.
ZIP Codes in Maxwell
Maxwell spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 50161. 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.