Iowa Water Quality Report
Tap water quality data for 4 cities in Iowa, updated 2026.
US average: 100 ppm
1 of 4 cities violation-free
4 cities tested
4 water systems tracked
Cleanest Tap Water in Iowa
Cities with the fewest water quality issues
Most Water Quality Issues in Iowa
Cities with the most violations and concerns
Water Hardness Across Iowa
Not sure what your hardness means? Use our Water Hardness Calculator or find the best hardness test kits.
Iowa Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Iowa has 4 tracked water utilities serving approximately 643K residents. The average water hardness is 240 ppm (14 GPG), classified as Very Hard — above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 170 ppm in Davenport to 275 ppm in Iowa City.
In the past 3 years, 3 of 4 cities in Iowa have recorded water quality violations, totaling 88 violations (13 health-based). All 4 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
With very hard water on average, many Iowa residents may notice mineral buildup on fixtures, dry skin, or stiff-feeling hair. A shower filter for hard water can help reduce chlorine exposure, while a water softener addresses the mineral buildup directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Water
Is tap water safe to drink in Iowa?
Most tap water in Iowa meets EPA standards, but 3 cities have recorded violations in the past 3 years (13 health-based). We recommend checking your specific city's report on TapWater.org and considering a home water test.
How hard is the water in Iowa?
Iowa's average water hardness is 240 ppm (14 GPG), classified as Very Hard. This is above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.
Which city in Iowa has the cleanest tap water?
Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, Des Moines ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Iowa. It has zero violations in the past 3 years and lead levels well below the EPA action level.
Which city in Iowa has the most water quality issues?
Iowa City currently has the most water quality concerns in Iowa, with 71 violations in the past 3 years. Residents should check their city's detailed water quality report and consider using a certified water filter.
Where does Iowa get its water from?
The majority of Iowa's water systems (25%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.
All 4 Cities
Sorted by population served