Copper in Cedar Rapids, IA Drinking Water
Copper data for Cedar Rapids, Iowa · 143,902 residents · 14 ZIP codes
Across Cedar Rapids, Iowa, federal monitoring data has captured Copper in water samples at detectable concentrations in the most recent available reporting cycle.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Copper in Cedar Rapids Tap Water
Copper has been detected in Cedar Rapids, Iowa drinking water at a maximum level of 1400 ppb — 1.08x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 143,902 residents across 14 ZIP codes in Cedar Rapids.
Cedar Rapids's overall water quality grade is C (59/100).
Is Copper in Cedar Rapids Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 and testing your water independently.
Copper Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Copper Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52401 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52402 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52403 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52404 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52405 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52406 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52407 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52408 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52409 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52410 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52411 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52497 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52498 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 52499 | 1400 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
Average copper level across Cedar Rapids: 1400 ppb
Health Effects of Copper
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (short-term, high levels)
- Liver and kidney damage (long-term)
- Particularly dangerous for people with Wilson's disease
- Infants are more sensitive than adults
Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule.
How Copper Gets Into Drinking Water
- Corrosion of copper household plumbing
- Acidic (low pH) water accelerates copper leaching
- New copper pipes leach more than aged ones
- Mining and industrial discharge (rare for tap water)
What to Do About Copper in Cedar Rapids Water
- Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
- Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
- If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
- Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.