A81/100
Prairie City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,703 residents · Iowa
What's In Prairie City's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2005.
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
PRAIRIE CITY WATER WORKS
Population Served
1,703
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
IA5064055
Frequently Asked Questions About Prairie City Water
Is Prairie City tap water safe to drink?
Prairie City, Iowa tap water receives a grade of A (81/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 1 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Prairie City's water?
1 contaminants were tested in Prairie City's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Prairie City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Prairie City has 7 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2005. Violation types include MR, MCL. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Prairie City?
Prairie 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. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Prairie City's tap water come from?
Prairie City's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by PRAIRIE CITY WATER WORKS. The system serves approximately 1,703 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Prairie 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. Prairie 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 Prairie City's water compare to other cities in Iowa?
Prairie City's water quality score of 81/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Prairie 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 Prairie City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Prairie 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 (PRAIRIE CITY 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.