Water Quality in Silver City, IA: 2 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 69/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Silver City'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
Silver City in IA has 2 EPA water violations documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Silver City
Water quality varies across Silver City's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51571 | C | 69 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Silver City, Iowa receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 69 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Silver City have accumulated 2 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 245 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Silver City'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 Silver City water systems is 0.0026 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 81% of homes built before 1986, Silver 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
Silver 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 Silver City
Silver City is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 245 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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Silver City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Silver 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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Silver City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-05-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-10 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-12-10 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-07-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-09-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-09-21 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-08-26 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-08-26 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-05-20.
Silver City vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Silver City's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver City | C | 2 | 1 | 245 |
| Luxemburg | C | 0 | 1 | 245 |
| Mineola | D | 0 | 1 | 245 |
| Pisgah | B | 0 | 1 | 245 |
Common Questions About Silver City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Silver City, Iowa:
Is Silver City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Silver City's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Silver City tap water? Silver City's water receives a grade of C (69/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Silver City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Silver City vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Silver 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 Silver City.
ZIP Codes in Silver City
Silver City spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 51571. 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.