Water Quality in Davenport, IA: 90 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 52/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Davenport's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Water systems in Davenport, IA have accumulated 90 EPA violations across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality Map: Davenport, IA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Davenport
Water quality varies across Davenport's 9 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52802 | D | 44 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 52803 | D | 44 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 52801 | D | 49 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 52806 | D | 49 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 52807 | D | 49 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 52804 | D | 54 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 52805 | C | 59 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 52808 | C | 59 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
| 52809 | C | 59 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Davenport, Iowa receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 52 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Davenport have accumulated 90 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 9 ZIP codes serving approximately 148,758 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Davenport's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Davenport water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 77% of homes built before 1986, Davenport 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
Davenport 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 Davenport
Davenport is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 148,758 people across 9 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 Davenport
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 Davenport Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Davenport's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 9 | 9 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 9 | 9 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 9 | 9 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Davenport vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Davenport's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport | D | 90 | 5 | 148,758 |
| Cedar Rapids | C | 1078 | 5 | 143,902 |
| Iowa City | D | 84 | 5 | 98,352 |
| Ames | C | 10 | 5 | 97,632 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Davenport
Water quality varies across Davenport's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52802 | 44 | D | 10 | 0 |
| 52803 | 44 | D | 10 | 0 |
| 52801 | 49 | D | 10 | 0 |
| 52806 | 49 | D | 10 | 0 |
| 52807 | 49 | D | 10 | 0 |
| 52804 | 54 | D | 10 | 0 |
| 52805 | 59 | C | 10 | 0 |
| 52808 | 59 | C | 10 | 0 |
| 52809 | 59 | C | 10 | 0 |
Common Questions About Davenport Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Davenport, Iowa:
Is Davenport water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Davenport's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Davenport tap water? Davenport's water receives a grade of D (52/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Davenport? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Davenport vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Davenport 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 Davenport.
ZIP Codes in Davenport
Davenport spans 9 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 52801. 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.