B70/100
ISU — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 42,000 people · Iowa
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
County
—
System ID
IA8503528
Violations
11
Contaminant Test Results
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
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023Enforcement: 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
Frequently Asked Questions About ISU
Is ISU water safe to drink?
ISU water receives a grade of B (70/100), which is considered good. Out of 66 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed non-enforceable health goals. The water meets federal safety standards.
What contaminants has ISU detected?
66 contaminants were tested in ISU's water. Notable contaminants include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does ISU have any EPA violations?
Yes, ISU has 11 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MR, MCL. 4 are health-based violations.
How many people does ISU serve?
ISU serves approximately 42,000 people, Iowa. The system provides water to 1 community: Ames.
What type of water does ISU provide?
ISU sources its water from purchased groundwater. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration. The utility's system ID is IA8503528.
How does ISU compare to other utilities in Iowa?
ISU scores 70/100 with a grade of B (good). This is an above-average performance for utilities statewide. Visit our Iowa state page for a full comparison of water systems.