Ankeny, IA: 8 Violations — 63/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm across most of Ankeny, IA — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How Ankeny Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Ankeny Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 8 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0014 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 25% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.97.
Ankeny's Water Providers
7 water systems are tracked federally in Ankeny, IA. The top 3 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Ankeny, Iowa (population ~75,004), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 335,762 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ankeny: C (63/100)
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
Ankeny water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0014 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): 2 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 | 2 |
| Contaminant 1003 | Other | 3 | 2 |
| Contaminant 1032 | Other | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50021 | C | 4 | 0 | City of Ankeny, |
| 50023 | C | 4 | 0 | City of Ankeny, |
All ZIP Codes in Ankeny
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.
Ankeny Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Ankeny's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Ankeny Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Ankeny has a newer housing profile — median build year 2006, placing most homes after the 1986 lead-solder ban.
Most homes in Ankeny were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Ankeny
In Ankeny, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in Ankeny are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 99% above the Iowa average.
Ankeny: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Even with citywide samples reading clean and just 25% of Ankeny homes dating to the pre-rule era, individual-faucet conditions remain a separate question that aggregate utility data cannot resolve for one specific address. That gap is structural, not a function of severity.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Ankeny: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood exposure in Ankeny is meaningful by NFIP measures — 25 claims on record and 100% 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.
Ankeny has a moderate flood history with 25 FEMA claims averaging $12,434 per payout. 100% 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>$2,400</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 Ankeny
- 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 Ankeny'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 Ankeny, IA