TapSafetyReport
C55/100

Carter Lake Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 3,791 residents · Iowa

What's In Carter Lake's Tap Water?

31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.003 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

7

Violations (last 5yr)

2

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: May 22, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: May 22, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

CARTER LAKE WATER DISTRICT
Population Served

3,791

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

IA7812079

Frequently Asked Questions About Carter Lake Water

Is Carter Lake tap water safe to drink?

Carter Lake, Iowa tap water receives a grade of C (55/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 18 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Carter Lake's water?

Of the 31 contaminants tested in Carter Lake's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Carter Lake have any water quality violations?

Yes, Carter Lake has 18 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Carter Lake?

Carter Lake water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Carter Lake's tap water come from?

Carter Lake's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CARTER LAKE WATER DISTRICT. The system serves approximately 3,791 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Carter Lake's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Carter Lake's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Carter Lake's water compare to other cities in Iowa?

Carter Lake's water quality score of 55/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Iowa state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Carter Lake's water quality?

If you have concerns about Carter Lake's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CARTER LAKE WATER DISTRICT) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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