D36/100
Des Moines Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 253,620 residents · Iowa
What's In Des Moines's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2018.
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
DES MOINES WATER WORKS
Population Served
246,055
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IA7727031
SOUTHEAST POLK RWD
Population Served
7,565
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IA7774701
Frequently Asked Questions About Des Moines Water
Is Des Moines tap water safe to drink?
Des Moines, Iowa tap water receives a grade of D (36/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 39 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Des Moines's water?
76 contaminants were tested in Des Moines's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Des Moines have any water quality violations?
Yes, Des Moines has 39 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2018. Violation types include MR, TT, MCL. 22 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Des Moines?
Des Moines 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. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Des Moines's tap water come from?
Des Moines's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by DES MOINES WATER WORKS and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 253,620 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Des Moines'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. Des Moines'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 Des Moines's water compare to other cities in Iowa?
Des Moines's water quality score of 36/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Iowa state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Des Moines's water quality?
If you have concerns about Des Moines'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 (DES MOINES WATER WORKS) 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.