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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 52244 Water Quality Report

Iowa City, IA · Johnson County County

Safety Score
D

Water Safety Grade

Poor — Multiple violations recorded

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

14

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

0

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 6 unresolved violations. Contact Iowa City Water Department for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 52244

Tap water in ZIP code 52244 (Iowa City, IA) has received a D grade (score: 50/100) — below average for the nation. Iowa City Water Department has recorded notable violations with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. Residents may want to consider additional filtration and review their annual Consumer Confidence Report.

Water System

Iowa City Water Department

EPA ID: IA5225079

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

68,753 residents

County

Johnson County County, Iowa

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Lead Levels in ZIP 52244

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

Lead Level: 4.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 52244 is 4.0 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 Level (90th percentile)
4.00 ppb (0.004 mg/L)
Copper Level (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

4.2 mg/L
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

4 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Unknown
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

Iowa City Water Department has recorded 14 violations, but none are health-based. Administrative or reporting violations don't directly indicate unsafe water, but they do signal gaps in documentation or monitoring procedures. 6 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
14
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
6
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Iowa City Water Department has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 52244. 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.

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Iowa City Water Department — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1

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 52244 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact Iowa City Water Department to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 52244 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 52244?+
Tap water in 52244 has a below-average water quality grade of D. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 52244 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 52244 is 4.0 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 52244?+
Tap water in ZIP code 52244 is provided by Iowa City Water Department (EPA ID: IA5225079). This system serves approximately 68,753 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 52244?+
ZIP code 52244 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 52244 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 6 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Iowa City Water Department for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 52244?+
Your water utility — Iowa City Water Department — 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 "Iowa City Water Department Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 52244?+
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 52244, 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 52244 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 52244 shows a lead level of 4.0 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 52244 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 Iowa City Water Department. 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 →