Health Violations Found IA 1 HEALTH VIOLATION

Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington)

EPA ID: IA0400902 · 8,375 people served · 17 ZIP codes

Compliance tracking for Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) shows 1 pending violation logged in the EPA system — the supplier delivers water to approximately 8,375 residents while those findings remain open.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

C · 56
Avg Safety Score
8,375
People Served
17
ZIP Codes Served
7
Violations (5yr)
Surface Water
Water Source
0.002 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 1
Radon Risk · High
6
Contaminants Flagged
$150K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Service Area Map

Coverage area for Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade C

Service Area Demographics

$69,716
Median Household Income
68,722
Service Area Population
22%
Disadvantaged Population
56th
Poverty Percentile
81th
Energy Burden Percentile
75%
Pre-1986 Housing

The Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) serves a community with a median household income of $69,716 and an estimated 68,722 residents across its service area. Approximately 75% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Surface Water

Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington)'s water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
48th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
40th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 3% of homes in Appanoose County, Iowa rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Infrastructure Risk

70 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Galvanized Steel or Copper
Pipe Material
5 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Accelerating Decay
Decay Status
Installed 93% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) compares to EPA limits

Lead 1 mg/L (action level) (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.015 mg/L (action level)
Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) 1 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.06 mg/L
Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects

What This Means For You

Lead at 1 mg/L (action level) exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.015 mg/L (action level). Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults. Consider reverse osmosis filtration.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.06 mg/L. Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.

Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 5 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Stage 1 DBP Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Surface Water Treatment Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

PFAS Detected in Service Area

PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 36 detections recorded. 1 exceeds federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS).

Health concern: PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental effects. They do not break down naturally.
Recommended filter: Reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters certified for PFAS removal. Find the right filter →

Lead was detected in this water system. reverse osmosis filtration can reduce exposure.

Find a certified water filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in Iowa

Knoxville Water Works
8,400 people
C 2 violations
C 0 violations
B 1 violation
B 0 violations
C 0 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Radon Mitigation Flood Insurance PFAS Treatment Water Filtration
Radon Mitigation $1,059
Flood Insurance $535
PFAS Treatment $506
Water Filtration $18
Total Estimated Cost $2,118

Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $1,000

Annual per household (CDC est.)

PFAS Exposure — Lifetime Cost $1,000

Per person (emerging research est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$5,165
10 years
$10,330
20 years
$20,660

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $2,118 (one-time) vs. $10,330 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) (EPA ID: IA0400902) is a community water system in Iowa that serves approximately 8,375 people from surface water sources.

This system provides water to 17 ZIP codes across 17 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: C (56/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

1 health-based violation recorded in the past 5 years. 1 remains unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
August 1, 2025 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Monitoring Unresolved
January 1, 2025 Stage 1 DBP Rule Monitoring Resolved
December 1, 2024 Contaminant 0700 Health-based Resolved
August 1, 2024 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2024 Stage 1 DBP Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2024 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
June 1, 2024 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
May 1, 2024 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2024 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
March 1, 2024 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
November 1, 2023 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2023 Lead Monitoring Resolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting Failure 5 No
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 2 No
Lead Inorganic 1 No
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 1 No
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 1 No
Contaminant 0700 Other Violation 1 Yes

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
52623 0.002 mg/L No N/A
52640 0.002 mg/L No N/A
52646 0.0018 mg/L No N/A
52654 0.001 mg/L No N/A
52659 0.001 mg/L No N/A
52637 0.0008 mg/L No N/A

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 1 (High Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Need help with your water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: 16 ZIP codes confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 1 additional ZIP inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) (IA0400902) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) water safe to drink?

Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) serve?

Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) serves approximately 8,375 people across 17 ZIP codes in Iowa.

Where does Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) get its water?

The primary water source is surface water.

Contact Your Water Utility

Public-record contact information for the water utility serving this system. Use these channels to request water quality reports, ask about service, or report issues directly.

Phone
641-647-2416
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Contact information from Rathbun Regional Water Association (Burlington) Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Water Source & Treatment

Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.

Source
Purchased from another utility
Treated water purchased wholesale from another water system.
Disinfectant used
Chlorine
Treatment chemicals reported
Chlorine

Source: Rathbun Regional Water Association (Burlington) Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.

Source water assessment from Rathbun Regional Water Association (Burlington) Consumer Confidence Report:
Consecutive water supply; all water purchased from Burlington Municipal Waterworks. Original supply draws from Mississippi River and Wells 1, 2, & 3.

Treatment regime

How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.

Treatment classification
Standard
Disinfection plus one or more treatment additives — typically corrosion control, pH adjustment, or fluoridation. Standard regime for utilities serving treated municipal water.

Treatment chemicals and what each one does

Chemical names are reported verbatim by the utility. Purpose categories are ZipCheckup annotations based on standard drinking-water treatment practice.

Disinfectant
Inactivates bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the treated water.
Chlorine

Watershed exposure sources reported

Land-use and natural conditions identified in the utility's source-water assessment as potential contamination sources upstream of treatment.

Surface water runoff from drainage basin

Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from Rathbun Regional Water Association (Burlington) Consumer Confidence Report.

Treatment intensity is a ZipCheckup-derived classification based on the chemicals and processes the utility reports. Chemicals and contamination sources are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR filing. Routine federal monitoring and contaminant testing shown elsewhere on this page determine whether the water meets safety standards, not the treatment classification.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Detected

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). PFAS compounds were detected below the current state-enforceable MCL.

Samples collected
87
Detections
6
Latest sample
9/9/2025
Highest analyte
PFBA: 32 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFBA 32 ppt
PFPeA 13 ppt

Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.

Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

PFAS Substances Detected in This System

This water system's Consumer Confidence Report disclosed the following PFAS compounds. Levels are from the utility's most recent reporting cycle.

Substance Detected level EPA limit Status
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set

In April 2024, EPA finalized the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS. Public water systems have until 2029 to comply. EPA — PFAS regulation overview →

Source: Consumer Confidence Report disclosed by Rathbun Regional Water Association (Burlington).

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. PFAS detection data is sourced from public Consumer Confidence Reports filed by the utility itself.

Learn more about PFAS health effects and filtration →

Lead Service Line Replacement Tracker

This water utility's lead service line (LSL) replacement program is tracked from public Consumer Confidence Report filings. Email signup notifies subscribers when the utility files an updated replacement plan or progress milestone.

Get notified on replacement progress

Subscribers receive an email when this utility updates its LSL plan, files a milestone report, or adjusts replacement timelines. No marketing, no third-party sharing.

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Rathbun Regional Water Association (Burlington)

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. LSL replacement-program data is sourced from public CCR filings published by the utility. Subscription notifications are based on automated parsing of subsequent CCR releases.

Learn more about Lead and Copper Rule replacement requirements →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

0
Confirmed Lead
0
Galvanized — Replacement Required
1,581
Unknown Material
1,051
Confirmed Non-Lead

This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported all required service line types
Latest tap sample on 2022-01-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Population served: 8,375
Reported to Iowa

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

Notable events and violations

This section summarizes events the utility chose to disclose in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report, plus any federal compliance violations the utility recorded against itself. Both lists are utility-authored — ZipCheckup does not audit, judge, or reorder them.

Notable events from the utility's CCR

These bullet entries are the utility's own narration of operational, regulatory, or infrastructure events during the reporting period.

Notable events from Rathbun Regional Water Association (Burlington) Consumer Confidence Report:
  • Burlington Municipal Waterworks (parent supplier, IA2909053) exceeded EPA interim health advisory for PFOA (3.8 ppt, HA=0.004 ppt) and PFOS (2.1 ppt, HA=0.020 ppt) in 2024. Public notice previously provided.
  • Multiple PFAS compounds detected in Burlington purchased water including PFBA, PFBS, PFPeA.
  • Nitrate in Burlington source up to 6.20 ppm (near MCL of 10 ppm).

ZipCheckup note: items above reflect what the utility published in its most recent CCR. Federal violation records are also tracked separately by the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) — the SDWIS record is the authoritative federal source for any specific regulatory action.

How Water Systems Appear in Rankings

Water systems are evaluated by violation history, contaminant detections, and service population. Larger systems with more service connections appear in more rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) safe to drink?
Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) has a C safety grade based on 7 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington)'s water?
Detected contaminants include Lead, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Stage 1 DBP Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 5 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) serve?
Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) serves approximately 8,375 people with drinking water across 17 ZIP codes.
What is Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington)'s water source?
Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) draws water from surface water sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington)'s water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.002 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington)'s service area?
The Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) service area has a median household income of $69,716. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) get its water?
Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington)'s water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington) (EPA ID: IA0400902) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

Home Water Systems Iowa Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (burlington)

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