Water Quality in Alta Vista, IA: 1 Violation — Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Alta Vista's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Alta Vista, IA log 1 violation — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Alta Vista
Water quality varies across Alta Vista's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50603 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Alta Vista, Iowa receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 64 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Alta Vista have accumulated 1 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 282 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Alta Vista's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Alta Vista water systems is 0.0022 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 86% of homes built before 1986, Alta Vista has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Alta Vista is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Alta Vista
Alta Vista is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 282 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
How to Check Your Water in Alta Vista
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Alta Vista vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Alta Vista's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Vista | C | 1 | 2 | 282 |
| Lytton | C | 0 | 1 | 282 |
| Modale | C | 1 | 1 | 280 |
| Crawfordsville | C | 0 | 1 | 277 |
Common Questions About Alta Vista Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Alta Vista, Iowa:
Is Alta Vista water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Alta Vista's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Alta Vista tap water? Alta Vista's water receives a grade of C (64/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Alta Vista? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Alta Vista vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Alta Vista compares to the broader Iowa average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Alta Vista.
ZIP Codes in Alta Vista
Alta Vista spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 50603. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.