C56/100
Iowa City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 95,437 residents · Iowa
What's In Iowa City's Tap Water?
76
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 2013.
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
IOWA CITY WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
68,753
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
IA5225079
UNIVERSITY WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
26,684
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
IA5225101
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa City Water
Is Iowa City tap water safe to drink?
Iowa City, Iowa tap water receives a grade of C (56/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 72 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Iowa City's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Iowa City'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 Iowa City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Iowa City has 72 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2019. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Iowa City?
Iowa City 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 Iowa City's tap water come from?
Iowa City's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by IOWA CITY WATER DEPARTMENT and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 95,437 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Iowa City'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. Iowa City'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 Iowa City's water compare to other cities in Iowa?
Iowa City's water quality score of 56/100 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 Iowa City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Iowa City'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 (IOWA CITY 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.