Nitrate in Iowa Drinking Water — 74 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for nitrate in Iowa drinking water systems
Nitrate Contamination in Iowa
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 1,058 ZIP codes in Iowa for nitrate contamination. 74 ZIP codes have reported nitrate detections, and 6 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for nitrate in Iowa is 0.6% of all ZIP codes — lower than 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.
Worst ZIP Codes for Nitrate in Iowa
These ZIP codes reported the highest nitrate levels in Iowa based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Nitrate Levels in Iowa
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported nitrate detections in Iowa:
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.
Worst ZIP Codes for Nitrate in Iowa
Ranked by highest nitrate detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50036 | Boone | 8 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 2 | 50037 | Boone | 8 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 3 | 50099 | Boone | 8 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 4 | 50007 | Alleman | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 5 | 50046 | Cambridge | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 6 | 50061 | Cumming | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 7 | 50073 | Elkhart | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 8 | 50109 | Granger | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 9 | 50131 | Johnston | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 10 | 50161 | Maxwell | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 11 | 50168 | Mingo | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 12 | 50301 | Des Moines | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 13 | 50302 | Des Moines | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 14 | 50303 | Des Moines | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 15 | 50304 | Des Moines | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 16 | 50305 | Des Moines | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 17 | 50306 | Des Moines | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 18 | 50307 | Des Moines | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 19 | 50308 | Des Moines | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
| 20 | 50309 | Des Moines | 7.15 ppm | 10 ppm | Within Limit |
Lowest Nitrate Levels in Iowa
Cities with Nitrate Data in Iowa
9 cities in Iowa have nitrate testing data available.