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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 25 cities in Iowa
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Iowa
62,799 residents
27,338 residents
68,723 residents
24,469 residents
74,828 residents
27,790 residents
66,258 residents
67,887 residents
21,470 residents
24,505 residents
101,724 residents
24,385 residents
41,535 residents
24,858 residents
23,797 residents
22,318 residents
85,797 residents
39,102 residents
41,566 residents
67,314 residents
59,667 residents
45,779 residents
214,133 residents
24,000 residents
137,710 residents
This state's water quality reflects local geographic conditions, industrial activities, and water infrastructure. Water quality can vary significantly between communities, with some areas enjoying excellent tap water while others face contamination challenges requiring treatment.
Based on our analysis of 25 cities in Iowa, the average water quality score is 83/100. 3 cities have water quality scores below 70, indicating potential concerns that residents should be aware of. The highest-rated city is Cedar Rapids with a score of 64/100, while Council Bluffs has the most room for improvement at 96/100.
Water sources typically include a combination of surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and groundwater. The specific sources serving your community depend on local geography and infrastructure. Check your local water utility's Consumer Confidence Report for details about your water source.
These contaminants have been detected in various Iowa water systems
State environmental and health agencies oversee drinking water quality in compliance with federal EPA standards. Public water systems are required to test regularly and report results to residents through annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
Water quality concerns vary by location. Common issues include lead from older plumbing, agricultural runoff in rural areas, and industrial contamination near manufacturing sites. Check your local water quality report and consider testing if you have specific concerns.
Review your annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand local water quality. Consider having your water tested if you use a private well or have concerns about your plumbing. Water filters certified to remove specific contaminants can address most common water quality issues.
Most Iowa cities have tap water that meets EPA safety standards. With an average score of 83/100 across 25 cities we analyzed, Iowa generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by location, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Iowa include disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure), nitrates (agricultural areas). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 3 cities in Iowa showing elevated contaminant levels, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Iowa are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Iowa water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Iowa. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Iowa city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, Cedar Rapids has the highest water quality score in Iowa at 64/100 (Grade C). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Iowa page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Iowa are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area