Ottumwa, IA (52501): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems
EPA data combined for 4 water systems mapped to this ZIP (largest mapped system: Ottumwa Water Works)
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 52501 in Ottumwa, IA contain 7 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 0 are marked health-based.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 7 violations (non-health) (since 2021).
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result of 0.0008 mg/L is below the EPA action level for water systems; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
- PFAS PFAS detected in UCMR5 sampling; see the PFAS section for each compound, compared with the federal PFAS MCL where one exists.
- Radon EPA Zone 1 - highest county-level potential. This is not a home measurement; test before any threshold comparison.
- Flood 95 cumulative NFIP claim records. Check the current FEMA map for a specific address.
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Out of every safety indicator logged for Ottumwa (52501), the high-priority category holds 1 - the critical category returns no results.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: Score unavailable
Required evidence is missing. Missing values remain unknown and are not imputed or renormalized.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 3 of 4 components and 2 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (7) CRITICAL
Your Water System
ZIP code 52501 in Ottumwa, Iowa is mapped to the water system Ottumwa Water Works (EPA ID: IA9083012). This system provides water to approximately 25,529 people from surface water sources.
There are 4 community water systems serving this area.
Water Systems Serving This Area
| System Name | EPA ID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottumwa Water Works | IA9083012 | 25,529 | Surface water |
| Rathbun Regional Water Assn (rathbun) | IA0400900 | 33,000 | Surface water |
| Eldon Water Supply | IA9053004 | 927 | Groundwater |
| Leisure Living Manf Home Community | IA9083602 | 150 | Surface water |
Other Water Quality Reports in Iowa
- 50001 (Ackworth) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 50002 (Adair)
- 50003 (Adel) - 9 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 50005 (Albion)
- 50006 (Alden)
- 50007 (Alleman)
- 50008 (Allerton)
- 50009 (Altoona) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 50010 (Ames) - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 50011 (Ames)
- 50012 (Ames) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 50013 (Ames) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 50014 (Ames) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 50020 (Anita)
- 50021 (Ankeny)
- 50022 (Atlantic)
- 50023 (Ankeny)
- 50025 (Audubon)
- 50026 (Bagley)
- 50027 (Barnes City)
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 52530 (Agency) - 5 mi - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 52548 (Chillicothe) - 7 mi
- 52566 (Kirkville) - 9 mi
- 52563 (Hedrick) - 12 mi
- 52554 (Eldon) - 12 mi - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 52536 (Blakesburg) - 12 mi
- 52561 (Fremont) - 13 mi
- 52560 (Floris) - 13 mi
- 52568 (Martinsburg) - 13 mi
- 52543 (Cedar) - 14 mi
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Ottumwa Water Works (IA9083012) on EPA.gov.
5 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 52501.
Detected compounds: PFBA.
Highest measured level: 0.005 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Environmental Hazards (11) HIGH
Home & Infrastructure (6) HIGH
Possible home maintenance concerns - talk to a local expert.
Call (855) 384-4856Paid Partner This is a free service. You will be connected with an independent service provider. We may receive compensation.
Cost & Community (9) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in Ottumwa
Based on local data for ZIP 52501, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in Ottumwa has 95 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Gutter Installation & Repair
The median home in 52501 was built around 1954. Aging gutters can cause foundation damage, basement flooding, and mold - a professional assessment can prevent costly repairs.
Typical cost: Gutter installation: typically $1,000–$2,500 for a standard home
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsWindow Replacement
The median build year of homes in Ottumwa is 1954; check the age and condition of your own windows. ENERGY STAR windows can save $101–$583/year on energy bills.
Typical cost: Window replacement: typically $300–$800 per window installed
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsRoofing Inspection & Repair
Homes built around 1954 may be on their second or third roof. A professional inspection can catch damage before leaks start.
Typical cost: Roof inspection: typically $75–$300; repairs $300–$1,500
Estimate Your Home Insurance NeedsService recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 52501 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 7 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 52501 (primary system: Ottumwa Water Works), including 0 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 52501's water come from?
The recorded water source for Ottumwa Water Works, a system mapped to ZIP code 52501, is Surface water. This system serves approximately 25,529 people.
How can I get my water tested in Ottumwa?
If Ottumwa Water Works supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
Is lead a concern in 52501 tap water?
The Lead and Copper Rule record selected for 52501 reports a 90th-percentile lead result of 0.0008 mg/L for a water system mapped to this ZIP (record date 2025-12-31). The EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L. This result is below the EPA action level; it does not show the lead level in each home.
What is the radon risk for 52501?
52501 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 1 (high county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Wapello County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 52501's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 52501. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 52501?
FEMA records contain 95 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 52501; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is A, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. This is a substantial claim history, but claim count is not a count of distinct events or properties. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Ottumwa, IA (52501): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems. https://zipcheckup.com/report/52501/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-52501,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Ottumwa, IA (52501): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/52501/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 52501
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52530 | Agency, IA | 5.5 mi | N/A | 3 |
| 52548 | Chillicothe, IA | 7.3 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 52566 | Kirkville, IA | 9.1 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 52563 | Hedrick, IA | 11.7 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 52554 | Eldon, IA | 12.0 mi | N/A | 3 |
| 52536 | Blakesburg, IA | 12.1 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 52561 | Fremont, IA | 12.6 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 52560 | Floris, IA | 12.7 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 52568 | Martinsburg, IA | 13.4 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 52543 | Cedar, IA | 13.5 mi | N/A | 0 |
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