A88/100
Spencer Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 26,580 residents · Iowa
What's In Spencer's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
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 LAKES REGIONAL WATER
Population Served
6,755
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
IA2100701
SPENCER MUNICIPAL WATER UTILITY
Population Served
11,325
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
IA2171071
IOWA LAKES REGIONAL WATER - OSGOOD
Population Served
8,500
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IA3060001
Frequently Asked Questions About Spencer Water
Is Spencer tap water safe to drink?
Spencer, Iowa tap water receives a grade of A (88/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 66 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 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 Spencer's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Spencer'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 Spencer have any water quality violations?
Yes, Spencer has 16 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2014. Violation types include MCL, MR. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Spencer?
Spencer 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 Spencer's tap water come from?
Spencer's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by IOWA LAKES REGIONAL WATER and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 26,580 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Spencer'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. Spencer'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 Spencer's water compare to other cities in Iowa?
Spencer's water quality score of 88/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Spencer 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 Spencer's water quality?
If you have concerns about Spencer'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 LAKES REGIONAL WATER) 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.