ZIP Code 51537 Water Quality Report

Harlan, IA · Shelby County County

Safety Score

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

Total Violations

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 51537

Tap water in ZIP code 51537 (Harlan, IA) receives a C grade (score: 65/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Harlan Municipal Utilities is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Harlan Municipal Utilities

EPA ID: IA8335029

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

5,067 residents

County

Shelby County County, Iowa

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Lead Levels in ZIP 51537

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 1.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 51537 is 1.0 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Lead exposure risk in 51537 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 57% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)

1.00 ppb (0.001 mg/L)

Lead Exposure Risk Rating

High

Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

57%

Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.

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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Harlan Municipal Utilities has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years — a strong indicator of consistent regulatory compliance and careful monitoring.

Total Violations (5 yr)

Health-Based Violations

Unresolved Violations

Boil Water Advisories

Compliance Risk

Low

Regulatory compliance risk for Harlan Municipal Utilities is rated Low — indicating a consistent track record of meeting EPA reporting and treatment requirements.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 51537. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type

Ground Water

EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1

Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

2.68%

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 51537 Recommendations

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Some compliance concerns — take precautions

Your water has a moderate compliance history. Take steps to protect vulnerable family members.

⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 51537 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 51537?+

Tap water in 51537 (Harlan, IA) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.

What is the lead level in 51537 tap water?+

The 90th percentile lead level in 51537 is 1.0 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

Who provides tap water to 51537?+

Tap water in ZIP code 51537 is provided by Harlan Municipal Utilities (EPA ID: IA8335029). This system serves approximately 5,067 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.

What is the water source for 51537?+

ZIP code 51537 is served by ground water. Groundwater systems draw from underground aquifers. While naturally filtered, groundwater can still contain naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, radium, or nitrates at elevated levels in some regions.

Does 51537 have any active water quality violations?+

No active violations are on record for ZIP code 51537. EPA data shows this water system is currently in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 51537?+

Your water utility — Harlan Municipal Utilities — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Harlan Municipal Utilities Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.

What water filter should I use in 51537?+

The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 51537, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.

Is 51537 tap water safe for babies and infants?+

Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 51537 shows a lead level of 1.0 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 51537 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Harlan Municipal Utilities. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →