A89/100
Clear Lake Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 7,687 residents · Iowa
What's In Clear Lake's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 1994.
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
CLEAR LAKE WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
7,687
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
IA1716076
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Lake Water
Is Clear Lake tap water safe to drink?
Clear Lake, Iowa tap water receives a grade of A (89/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 31 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Clear Lake's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Clear 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 Clear Lake have any water quality violations?
Yes, Clear Lake has 8 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 1994. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Clear Lake?
Clear 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 Clear Lake's tap water come from?
Clear Lake's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CLEAR LAKE WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 7,687 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Clear 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. Clear 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 Clear Lake's water compare to other cities in Iowa?
Clear Lake's water quality score of 89/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Clear Lake among the better-performing water systems in Iowa. Visit our Iowa state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Clear Lake's water quality?
If you have concerns about Clear 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 (CLEAR LAKE WATER DEPARTMENT) 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.