Water Quality in Spirit Lake, IA: 1 Violation — Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Spirit Lake'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
The public EPA compliance record for Spirit Lake, IA holds 1 documented water violation — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Spirit Lake
Water quality varies across Spirit Lake's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51360 | C | 64 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Spirit Lake, Iowa receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 64 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Spirit Lake have accumulated 1 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 6,167 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Spirit Lake'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 Spirit Lake water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 59% of homes built before 1986, Spirit Lake 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
Spirit Lake 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 Spirit Lake
Spirit Lake is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 6,167 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 3 enforcement actions against water systems serving Spirit Lake. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Spirit Lake
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 Spirit Lake Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Spirit Lake's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | Yes |
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 3 enforcement actions against water systems serving Spirit Lake. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2022-11-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-11-21 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-10-14 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2022-11-21.
Spirit Lake vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Spirit Lake's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Lake | C | 1 | 1 | 6,167 |
| Independence | D | 0 | 3 | 6,220 |
| Orange City | B | 0 | 1 | 6,267 |
| Oelwein | C | 0 | 2 | 6,062 |
Common Questions About Spirit Lake Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Spirit Lake, Iowa:
Is Spirit Lake water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Spirit Lake's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Spirit Lake tap water? Spirit Lake's water receives a grade of C (64/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Spirit Lake? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Spirit Lake vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Spirit Lake 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 Spirit Lake.
ZIP Codes in Spirit Lake
Spirit Lake spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 51360. 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.