Is nitrate a problem in Iowa drinking water?

Nitrate was detected above the EPA limit of 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) in 6 ZIP codes across Iowa. Check the table above for specific areas. Consider Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange if your ZIP is affected.

How widespread is nitrate in Iowa water?

No nitrate detections were reported in Iowa in the exported EPA records.

Nitrate · Iowa

Nitrate in Iowa Drinking Water — 6 Violations

EPA data analysis for nitrate in Iowa drinking water systems

ZipCheckup tracks Nitrate in Iowa drinking water: 0 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 6 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (10 mg/L (as nitrogen)). Nitrate carries a high health-risk designation.

ZIPs with Violations

1.3%

Violation Rate

10 mg/L (as nitrogen)

EPA Limit

High

Health Risk

Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange

Best Filter Method

Nitrate Contamination in Iowa

ZipCheckup analyzed EPA enforcement records across 445 ZIP codes in Iowa. 6 ZIP codes have nitrate-related violations on record.

The violation rate for nitrate in Iowa is 1.3% of all ZIP codes — roughly in line with the national average.

EPA Standard for Nitrate

The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate is 10 mg/L (as nitrogen), governed by the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.

Health Effects of Nitrate

How to Remove Nitrate From Drinking Water

The most effective treatment for nitrate removal is Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.

Check Your ZIP Code

Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see nitrate data for your specific water system in Iowa.

Cities with Nitrate Data in Iowa

4 cities in Iowa have nitrate testing data available.

Altoona Des Moines Grinnell Pleasant Hill

Iowa Water Quality Overview: See statewide water quality rankings on the Iowa water quality page.

Learn more about Nitrate: Read the full guide on Nitrate in drinking water.

Home → Contaminants → Nitrate → Iowa

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Nitrate in Iowa Drinking Water — 6 Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/nitrates/iowa/

BibTeX

@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-nitrates-iowa,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Nitrate in Iowa Drinking Water — 6 Violations}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/nitrates/iowa/}
}

Page version: August 2026.