Water Quality: Chariton, IA
1 water system • 4,381 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Chariton is served by 1 public water system with a combined service population of 4,381 people, and has 110 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 82 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Chariton's violation count is 595% above the national average for Iowa. Contaminants associated with violations include Chlorine, E. coli, Fecal Coliform, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants Found
Eye and nose irritation at high levels; long-term exposure above the MCL may cause liver and kidney damage.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant added to kill harmful microorganisms
EPA limit: 4.0 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level)
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Indicates direct fecal contamination; associated with diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and potential severe illness.
Common source: Human and animal fecal waste
EPA limit: Zero tolerance (any positive triggers violations)
Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Chariton
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHARITON MUNICIPAL WATER WORKS | IA5903011 | Surface Water | 4,381 | 110 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Iowa
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.