B79/100
Fort Dodge Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 25,874 residents · Iowa
What's In Fort Dodge's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
strontium | 2350.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2025 – August 22, 2025Enforcement: 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
FORT DODGE WATER SUPPLY
Population Served
25,874
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
IA9433050
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Dodge Water
Is Fort Dodge tap water safe to drink?
Fort Dodge, Iowa tap water receives a grade of B (79/100), which is considered good. Out of 66 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 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 Fort Dodge's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Fort Dodge's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), strontium. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Fort Dodge have any water quality violations?
Yes, Fort Dodge has 15 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Fort Dodge?
Fort Dodge 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Fort Dodge's tap water come from?
Fort Dodge's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by FORT DODGE WATER SUPPLY. The system serves approximately 25,874 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Fort Dodge'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. Fort Dodge'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 Fort Dodge's water compare to other cities in Iowa?
Fort Dodge's water quality score of 79/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Iowa state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Fort Dodge's water quality?
If you have concerns about Fort Dodge'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 (FORT DODGE WATER SUPPLY) 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.