Exceeds EPA Limit PFAS EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

PFAS in Sioux City, IA Drinking Water

PFAS data for Sioux City, Iowa · 85,824 residents · 9 ZIP codes

In Sioux City, Iowa, PFAS has been detected in the public water supply — a contaminant that health agencies track because of documented effects associated with prolonged exposure at elevated concentrations.

8.6 ppt
Max Level Detected
14.11 ppt
Average Level
4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually)
EPA MCL
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Granular Activated Carbon
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

PFAS in Sioux City Tap Water

PFAS has been detected in Sioux City, Iowa drinking water at a maximum level of 8.6 ppt2.15x the EPA MCL.

This analysis covers 85,824 residents across 9 ZIP codes in Sioux City.

Sioux City's overall water quality grade is C (66/100).

Is PFAS in Sioux City Water Safe?

PFAS levels in parts of Sioux City exceed the EPA MCL of 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.

PFAS Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code PFAS Level EPA Limit Status
51101 31 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51102 31 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51103 31 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51104 31 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51105 31 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51106 31 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51108 31 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51111 31 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51101 8.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51102 8.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51103 8.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51104 8.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51105 8.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51106 8.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51108 8.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51109 8.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51111 8.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51101 4.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51102 4.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51103 4.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51104 4.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51105 4.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51106 4.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51108 4.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
51109 4.6 ng/L 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
...1 more ZIP codes

Average pfas level across Sioux City: 14.11 ppt

Health Effects of PFAS

  • Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
  • Thyroid disease and immune system suppression
  • Reproductive problems and reduced fertility
  • Elevated cholesterol and liver effects
  • Developmental effects in infants and children

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (2024).

How PFAS Gets Into Drinking Water

  • Firefighting foam (AFFF) used at military bases and airports
  • Industrial manufacturing (non-stick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics)
  • Wastewater treatment plants that receive industrial discharge
  • Landfill leachate from PFAS-containing consumer products

What to Do About PFAS in Sioux City Water

  1. Install a reverse osmosis system (most effective — removes 90%+ of PFAS)
  2. Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters remove some PFAS compounds
  3. Look for NSF 53 or NSF 58 certification specifically tested for PFAS
  4. Pitcher filters with activated carbon provide partial reduction

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for pfas removal.

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