Water Quality in Altoona, IA: 3 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 65/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Altoona'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
Available EPA records for Altoona, IA: 3 water compliance violations tied to local public water systems.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Altoona
Water quality varies across Altoona's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50009 | C | 65 | 3 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Altoona, Iowa receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 65 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Altoona have accumulated 3 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 27,130 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Altoona'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 Altoona water systems is 0.0056 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Altoona 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 Altoona
Altoona is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 27,130 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
The EPA has taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Altoona. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Altoona
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
Contaminants Detected in Altoona Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Altoona's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 15 pCi/L | 2 | 1 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Altoona. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-29 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-02-26 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-02-26 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-05-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-05-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-12-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-12-13 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-19.
Altoona vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Altoona's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altoona | C | 3 | 2 | 27,130 |
| Spencer | C | 0 | 5 | 26,964 |
| Mason City | C | 2 | 1 | 27,338 |
| Fort Dodge | F | 27 | 5 | 27,898 |
Common Questions About Altoona Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Altoona, Iowa:
Is Altoona water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Altoona's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Altoona tap water? Altoona's water receives a grade of C (65/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Altoona? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Altoona vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Altoona 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 Altoona.
ZIP Codes in Altoona
Altoona spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 50009. 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.