Water Quality in Ames, IA: 5 Violations - Grade N/A
6 water systems · 4 directly mapped ZIP records
Available EPA records report 5 violations across 4 directly mapped ZIP records with known counts for Ames. This is compliance evidence, not a property-level tap-water verdict.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ames
This table shows typed EPA water evidence only. Missing violation counts are displayed as N/A, not zero.
| ZIP Code | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50014 | 5 | 1 | View report → |
| 50010 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 50012 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 50013 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Ames, Iowa has directly mapped EPA water-system data for 4 ZIP codes. This page reports typed compliance facts and does not relabel the multi-source Home Safety Score as a drinking-water grade.
The available EPA records report 5 violations, including 1 health-based violation across 4 directly mapped ZIP records with reported counts.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Ames water systems is 0.0012 mg/L - within EPA limits. No exceedances appear among the 4 ZIP records with known lead status.
With 45% of homes built before 1986, Ames 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.
Water Systems Serving Ames
Ames is served by 6 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 71,055 people across 5 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 36 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ames. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Ames
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels and violation history
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 Ames Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Ames's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Inorganic | 1.3 mg/L | 4 | 4 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 2 | 2 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 2 | 2 | No |
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 12 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ames. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-10-22 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-17 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-10-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-07-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-12-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-11-08 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-10.
Ames vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Ames's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Direct EPA ZIPs | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | 4 | 5 | 6 | 71,055 |
| West Des Moines | 2 | 0 | 5 | 69,831 |
| Council Bluffs | 2 | 0 | 1 | 72,339 |
| Waterloo | 3 | 2 | 5 | 69,339 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ames
EPA coverage and recorded violations can differ across Ames's ZIP codes. Missing counts are shown as unavailable, not zero:
Common Questions About Ames Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Ames, Iowa:
Is Ames water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Ames's 6 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Ames tap water? City-level EPA records cannot determine safety at a specific tap. The measured subset contains 1 health-based violation; check the affected utility record and consider certified testing.
What is the best water filter for Ames? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Ames vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Ames 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 Ames.
ZIP Codes in Ames
Ames spans 5 ZIP codes. EPA water-system coverage is available for 4 directly mapped ZIP codes. 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
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.