Water Quality in Fort Dodge, IA: 27 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 35/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Fort Dodge's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Fort Dodge, IA surfaces 27 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Fort Dodge
Water quality varies across Fort Dodge's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50501 | F | 35 | 27 | 16 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Fort Dodge.
Water Quality Overview
Fort Dodge, Iowa receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 35 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Fort Dodge have accumulated 27 EPA violations, including 16 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 27,898 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Fort Dodge's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Fort Dodge water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 81% of homes built before 1986, Fort Dodge 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
Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 27,898 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Dodge. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Fort Dodge
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 Fort Dodge Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Fort Dodge's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 7 | 1 | Yes |
| Copper | Inorganic | 1.3 mg/L | 5 | 1 | Yes |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 4 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Bromoform | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Fort Dodge:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2022 to 3 in 2023. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Dodge. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-22 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-01-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-01-16 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-05-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-11-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-10-05 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-10-05 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-08-09 | State Filed Suit |
| 2023-08-03 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-22.
Fort Dodge vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Fort Dodge's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Dodge | F | 27 | 5 | 27,898 |
| Mason City | C | 2 | 1 | 27,338 |
| Altoona | C | 3 | 2 | 27,130 |
| Spencer | C | 0 | 5 | 26,964 |
Common Questions About Fort Dodge Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Fort Dodge, Iowa:
Is Fort Dodge water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Fort Dodge's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Fort Dodge tap water? Fort Dodge's water receives a grade of F (35/100). There are 16 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Fort Dodge? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Fort Dodge vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge.
ZIP Codes in Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 50501. 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.