Water Quality in Iowa City, IA: 84 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 49/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Iowa City's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The compliance history for Iowa City, IA includes 84 water violations on file with the EPA — a federal tally that spans health-based exceedances, monitoring failures, and enforcement actions logged under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Water Quality Map: Iowa City, IA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Iowa City
Water quality varies across Iowa City's 6 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52240 | D | 46 | 14 | 0 | View report → |
| 52246 | D | 46 | 14 | 0 | View report → |
| 52243 | D | 50 | 14 | 0 | View report → |
| 52244 | D | 50 | 14 | 0 | View report → |
| 52242 | D | 51 | 14 | 0 | View report → |
| 52245 | D | 51 | 14 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Iowa City, Iowa receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 49 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Iowa City have accumulated 84 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 6 ZIP codes serving approximately 98,352 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Iowa City'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 Iowa City water systems is 0.0040 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 57% of homes built before 1986, Iowa City 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
Iowa City 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 Iowa City
Iowa City is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 98,352 people across 6 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 60 enforcement actions against water systems serving Iowa City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Iowa City
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 Iowa City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Iowa City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 12 | 6 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 12 | 6 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 6 | 6 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 6 | 6 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 6 | 6 | 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 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving Iowa City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-22 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-09-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-28 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-19 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-02-10 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-22.
Iowa City vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Iowa City's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City | D | 84 | 5 | 98,352 |
| Ames | C | 10 | 5 | 97,632 |
| Sioux City | C | 9 | 2 | 85,824 |
| Ankeny | C | 8 | 5 | 80,314 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Iowa City
Water quality varies across Iowa City's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52240 | 46 | D | 14 | 0 |
| 52246 | 46 | D | 14 | 0 |
| 52243 | 50 | D | 14 | 0 |
| 52244 | 50 | D | 14 | 0 |
| 52242 | 51 | D | 14 | 0 |
| 52245 | 51 | D | 14 | 0 |
Common Questions About Iowa City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Iowa City, Iowa:
Is Iowa City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Iowa City's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Iowa City tap water? Iowa City's water receives a grade of D (49/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Iowa City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Iowa City vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Iowa City 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 Iowa City.
ZIP Codes in Iowa City
Iowa City spans 6 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 52240. 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.