PFAS in Iowa Drinking Water — 10 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for pfas in Iowa drinking water systems
PFAS Contamination in Iowa
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 1,058 ZIP codes in Iowa for pfas contamination. 10 ZIP codes have reported pfas detections, and 10 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for pfas in Iowa is 0.9% of all ZIP codes — lower than the national average.
EPA Standard for PFAS
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for pfas is 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS), governed by the PFAS NPDWR (2024). Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.
Worst ZIP Codes for PFAS in Iowa
These ZIP codes reported the highest pfas levels in Iowa based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest PFAS Levels in Iowa
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported pfas detections in Iowa:
Health Effects of PFAS
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are linked to cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disease, immune system suppression, reproductive problems, and elevated cholesterol. These "forever chemicals" persist in the body for years.
How to Remove PFAS From Drinking Water
The most effective treatment for pfas removal is Reverse Osmosis or Granular Activated Carbon. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.
Check Your ZIP Code
Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see pfas data for your specific water system in Iowa.
Worst ZIP Codes for PFAS in Iowa
Ranked by highest pfas detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 51030 | Lawton | 8.6 ng/L | 4 ng/L | Exceeds |
| 2 | 51101 | Sioux City | 8.6 ng/L | 4 ng/L | Exceeds |
| 3 | 51102 | Sioux City | 8.6 ng/L | 4 ng/L | Exceeds |
| 4 | 51103 | Sioux City | 8.6 ng/L | 4 ng/L | Exceeds |
| 5 | 51104 | Sioux City | 8.6 ng/L | 4 ng/L | Exceeds |
| 6 | 51105 | Sioux City | 8.6 ng/L | 4 ng/L | Exceeds |
| 7 | 51106 | Sioux City | 8.6 ng/L | 4 ng/L | Exceeds |
| 8 | 51108 | Sioux City | 8.6 ng/L | 4 ng/L | Exceeds |
| 9 | 51109 | Sioux City | 8.6 ng/L | 4 ng/L | Exceeds |
| 10 | 51111 | Sioux City | 8.6 ng/L | 4 ng/L | Exceeds |
Lowest PFAS Levels in Iowa
Cities with PFAS Data in Iowa
35 cities in Iowa have pfas testing data available.
+ 15 more cities