B77/100
Spirit Lake Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 6,167 residents · Iowa
What's In Spirit Lake's Tap Water?
51
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Failed treatment technique requirements
When: October 1, 2022 – October 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: 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
SPIRIT LAKE WATERWORKS
Population Served
6,167
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
IA3070078
Frequently Asked Questions About Spirit Lake Water
Is Spirit Lake tap water safe to drink?
Spirit Lake, Iowa tap water receives a grade of B (77/100), which is considered good. Out of 51 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 Spirit Lake's water?
Of the 51 contaminants tested in Spirit Lake'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 Spirit Lake have any water quality violations?
Yes, Spirit Lake has 4 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include TT, MCL. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake 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 Spirit Lake's tap water come from?
Spirit Lake's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by SPIRIT LAKE WATERWORKS. The system serves approximately 6,167 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Spirit Lake'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. Spirit Lake'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 Spirit Lake's water compare to other cities in Iowa?
Spirit Lake's water quality score of 77/100 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 Spirit Lake's water quality?
If you have concerns about Spirit Lake'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 (SPIRIT LAKE WATERWORKS) 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.