Water Quality in Des Moines, IA: 348 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 62/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Des Moines'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
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, Des Moines, IA shows 348 water violations on file — findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality Map: Des Moines, IA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Des Moines
Water quality varies across Des Moines's 58 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50312 | D | 51 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50313 | C | 56 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50317 | C | 56 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50309 | C | 61 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50310 | C | 61 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50311 | C | 61 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50314 | C | 61 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50315 | C | 61 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50316 | C | 61 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50321 | C | 61 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50301 | C | 62 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50302 | C | 62 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50303 | C | 62 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50304 | C | 62 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
| 50305 | C | 62 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Des Moines, Iowa receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 62 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Des Moines have accumulated 348 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 58 ZIP codes serving approximately 255,680 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Des Moines'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 Des Moines water systems is 0.0014 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 75% of homes built before 1986, Des Moines 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
Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Des Moines is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 255,680 people across 58 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 Des Moines
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 Des Moines Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Des Moines's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 58 | 58 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 58 | 58 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 58 | 58 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Des Moines vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Des Moines's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | C | 348 | 5 | 255,680 |
| Davenport | D | 90 | 5 | 148,758 |
| Cedar Rapids | C | 1078 | 5 | 143,902 |
| Iowa City | D | 84 | 5 | 98,352 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Des Moines
Water quality varies across Des Moines's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50312 | 51 | D | 6 | 0 |
| 50313 | 56 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50317 | 56 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50309 | 61 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50310 | 61 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50311 | 61 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50314 | 61 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50315 | 61 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50316 | 61 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50321 | 61 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50320 | 66 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50983 | 62 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50982 | 62 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50981 | 62 | C | 6 | 0 |
| 50980 | 62 | C | 6 | 0 |
Common Questions About Des Moines Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Des Moines, Iowa:
Is Des Moines water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Des Moines's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Des Moines tap water? Des Moines's water receives a grade of C (62/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Des Moines? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Des Moines vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Des Moines 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 Des Moines.
ZIP Codes in Des Moines
Des Moines spans 58 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 50301. 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.