Ames, IA: 10 Violations — 64/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 10 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Recent monitoring in Ames shows middle-tier safety for IA — some systems are clean; others have logged EPA violations.
How Ames Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Ames, IA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Ames.
Ames Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 10 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.24.
Water Systems Serving Ames
Ames, IA draws its residential water from 3 separate providers among the 10 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in Ames, Iowa (population ~71,055), covering 10 community water systems serving approximately 112,787 people region-wide.
5 of 5 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ames: C (64/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Ames water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 5 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Inorganic | 6 | 5 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 6 | 5 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50010 | C | 2 | 0 | Ames Water Treatment Plant |
| 50011 | C | 2 | 0 | Ames Water Treatment Plant |
| 50012 | C | 2 | 0 | Ames Water Treatment Plant |
| 50013 | C | 2 | 0 | Ames Water Treatment Plant |
| 50014 | C | 2 | 0 | Ames Water Treatment Plant |
All ZIP Codes in Ames
- 50010 [C] — 2 violations
- 50011 [C] — 2 violations
- 50012 [C] — 2 violations
- 50013 [C] — 2 violations
- 50014 [C] — 2 violations
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
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Ames
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Key Contaminants Detected in Ames
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Ames: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Within the Ames market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Ames are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,560–$3,160 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 90% above the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Ames
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Ames appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Ames
Flood exposure in Ames is meaningful by NFIP measures — 204 claims on record and 60% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Ames has a moderate flood history with 204 FEMA claims averaging $188,256 per payout. 60% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,300</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Ames
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Copper can reduce the most common contaminant found in Ames's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ames, IA