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WaterSafeCheck

Iowa Tap Water Quality Report

Water quality grades, lead levels, and violation data for all 1,058 ZIP codes in Iowa

ZIP Codes

1,058

Health Violations (5yr)

159

Avg Safety Score

59.2/100

High Lead Risk ZIPs

81.7%

Overview: Drinking Water in Iowa

Drinking water quality in Iowa faces notable challenges, currently scoring below the national average with a composite safety score of 59.2/100 across 1,058 monitored ZIP codes. According to the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System, 1% of ZIP codes in the state have received a failing grade. These scores reflect historical struggles with aging infrastructure, localized contamination events, and recurring health-based violations that require active intervention by local utilities.

Over the past 5 years, water utilities in Iowa have recorded a total of 2,974 violations, of which 159 were strictly health-based. While administrative and reporting violations are common nationwide, health-based violations mean that certain contaminants exceeded the EPA's Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) at some point. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which acts as the primary regulatory authority in the state, typically works closely with these utilities to issue boil water advisories or mandate infrastructure upgrades when these limits are breached.

One of the most pressing concerns for Iowa residents is the elevated risk of lead exposure. EPA models and historical monitoring indicate that 81.7% of ZIP codes in Iowa are classified as High or Very High risk for lead. This is frequently associated with older housing stock built before the 1986 federal ban on lead pipes and solder. Residents living in older homes should strongly consider having their tap water independently tested and utilizing a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking.

Surface Water

31.9%

of ZIP codes

Total Violations

2,974

5-year record

Grade A ZIPs

0

0% of state

Grade F ZIPs

11

1% of state

Water Quality Grade Distribution in Iowa

How do Iowa's 1,058 ZIP codes stack up by water quality grade?

A
0 ZIP codes0%
B
126 ZIP codes12%
C
658 ZIP codes62%
D
263 ZIP codes25%
F
11 ZIP codes1%

Water Quality by City in Iowa

Click any city to view ZIP code-level water quality reports

Des Moines

58 ZIPs

C

Cedar Rapids

14 ZIPs

C

Sioux City

9 ZIPs

C

Davenport

9 ZIPs

D

Iowa City

6 ZIPs

D

Ames

5 ZIPs

C

Dubuque

5 ZIPs

C

Waterloo

4 ZIPs

C

Clinton

4 ZIPs

C

Boone

3 ZIPs

C

Urbandale

3 ZIPs

D

Council Bluffs

3 ZIPs

C

Shenandoah

3 ZIPs

C

Ankeny

2 ZIPs

C

Melcher-dallas

2 ZIPs

C

West Des Moines

2 ZIPs

C

Mason City

2 ZIPs

C

Clarion

2 ZIPs

C

Cedar Falls

2 ZIPs

C

Harlan

2 ZIPs

C

Red Oak

2 ZIPs

C

Amana

2 ZIPs

C

Bloomfield

2 ZIPs

C

Fairfield

2 ZIPs

C

Ackworth

1 ZIP

D

Adair

1 ZIP

C

Adel

1 ZIP

C

Albion

1 ZIP

C

Alden

1 ZIP

B

Alleman

1 ZIP

D

Allerton

1 ZIP

C

Altoona

1 ZIP

C

Anita

1 ZIP

B

Atlantic

1 ZIP

C

Audubon

1 ZIP

C

Bagley

1 ZIP

D

Barnes City

1 ZIP

D

Baxter

1 ZIP

C

Bayard

1 ZIP

D

Beaver

1 ZIP

D

🏆 Highest Rated ZIP Codes in Iowa

50006Alden
70/100
B
50020Anita
70/100
B
50032Berwick
70/100
B
50035Bondurant
70/100
B
50044Bussey
70/100
B

⚠ Lowest Rated ZIP Codes in Iowa

50133Kellerton
30/100
F
51462Scranton
30/100
F
50128Jamaica
32/100
F
52642Rome
33/100
F
50635Gladbrook
34/100
F

Common Drinking Water Contaminants in Iowa

The following are common regulated contaminants found in Iowa drinking water based on EPA violation records. Click any contaminant to learn about EPA safety limits and health effects.

CopperChlorine residualLeadContaminant 0700E. coliHaloacetic Acids (HAA5)BariumGross Beta

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Level regulations. For the complete list of regulated contaminants and MCLs, see the Water Quality Safety Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions — Iowa Drinking Water

Is tap water generally safe to drink in Iowa?+
Yes, for the majority of residents, tap water in Iowa is treated, heavily regulated, and safe to drink. However, safety varies significantly by location. Statewide, 0 ZIP codes earn an "A" grade for perfect compliance, while 11 earn an "F" due to historical violations. It is essential to search your specific ZIP code above to view the exact compliance record for your local water utility.
What are the biggest water quality issues in Iowa?+
Based on a 5-year analysis of EPA violation data, the primary water quality challenges in Iowa include managing 159 health-based violations statewide and addressing infrastructure age. Additionally, 81.7% of ZIP codes in the state are rated as having a High or Very High probability of lead exposure risk, which is a key metric residents should monitor.
Who regulates and enforces drinking water standards in Iowa?+
Drinking water in Iowa is primarily regulated by Iowa Department of Natural Resources under a primacy agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets the federal baseline standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels) through the Safe Drinking Water Act, while Iowa Department of Natural Resources conducts the day-to-day monitoring, issues compliance orders, and enforces penalties against local water systems that fail to meet these standards.
Where does Iowa get its drinking water?+
Water sources in Iowa vary widely by municipality. Statewide, approximately 31.9% of the monitored ZIP codes rely on surface water sources (such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs), which require extensive filtration and disinfection. The remaining systems primarily rely on groundwater pumped from underground aquifers, which is naturally filtered but can be susceptible to agricultural runoff or naturally occurring minerals.
How do I find the official water quality report for my home in Iowa?+
You can enter your ZIP code in our search box above for a detailed, easy-to-read report based on EPA data. Furthermore, your local water utility is required by federal law to distribute an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 of each year. You can contact your utility directly to request this document, which outlines exact contaminant measurements from the previous year.
View All 1,058 ZIP Codes in Iowa

Browse EPA water quality data for every monitored ZIP code. For faster results, use the search bar above.

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+ 758 more ZIP codes — please search by city above