A88/100
Polk City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 6,533 residents · Iowa
What's In Polk City's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.62 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2000.
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
POLK CITY WATER SUPPLY
Population Served
6,533
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IA7770050
Frequently Asked Questions About Polk City Water
Is Polk City tap water safe to drink?
Polk City, Iowa tap water receives a grade of A (88/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 32 contaminants tested, 1 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 Polk City's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Polk City's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Polk City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Polk City has 1 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2000. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Polk City?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Polk City is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Polk City's tap water come from?
Polk City's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by POLK CITY WATER SUPPLY. The system serves approximately 6,533 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Polk 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. Polk 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 Polk City's water compare to other cities in Iowa?
Polk City's water quality score of 88/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Polk City 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 Polk City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Polk 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 (POLK CITY 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.