Is Bettendorf, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
65.6/100
waterverge.com Bettendorf, IA — Water Quality Report
Bettendorf's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 929 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 173 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bettendorf's water
Bettendorf ranks #423 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Bettendorf relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Bettendorf may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bettendorf, IA water safe to drink?
Bettendorf's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 929 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bettendorf
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bettendorf's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4732). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bettendorf's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bettendorf's water system has 173 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Scott County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Miss R, Crow Creek At Bettendorf.
Where does Bettendorf's water come from?
Bettendorf's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 929 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Miss R (river), Crow Creek At Bettendorf (river).
What Bettendorf residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bettendorf's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Bettendorf's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bettendorf
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bettendorf, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 17,785 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ARCONIC US LLC BETTENDORF, IA52722 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 17,313 | 2.0 mi |
PB LEINER USA DAVENPORT, IA52806 | Ammonia | 261 | 5.1 mi |
JOHN DEERE DAVENPORT WORKS DAVENPORT, IA52807 | Manganese | 201 | 4.6 mi |
JOHN DEERE SEEDING & CYLINDER MOLINE, IL61265 | Manganese | 9 | 4.9 mi |
NOVELIS ALR ALUMINUM LLC - NOVELIS DAVENPORT CASTING DAVENPORT, IA52802 | Zinc compounds | 1 | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Scott County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bettendorf's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.350 mg/L (2019)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bettendorf compares by contaminant
Explore where Bettendorf ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bettendorf's water comes from
Bettendorf's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 929 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Bettendorf
Bettendorf is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bettendorf
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DODDS VALLEY VIEW WATER ASSN | IA8209600 | 220 | GW |
| FOREST MANOR SUBDIVISION | IA8209308 | 209 | GW |
| OAK GROVE MHP - ROCK ISLAND COUNTY | IL1617785 | 138 | GW |
| CARRIAGE PLACE ESTATES HOA | IA8209307 | 125 | GW |
| TROUT VALLEY 2ND ADDITION | IA8209301 | 85 | GW |
| CARRIAGE MEADOWS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION | IA8209309 | 80 | GW |
| TROUT VALLEY HOMES ASSOC. 1 | IA8209398 | 72 | GW |
How Bettendorf compares
Full Iowa rankings →Bettendorf's score of 65.6/100 is below the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Bettendorf, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bettendorf's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Scott
Frequently asked questions
Is Bettendorf, IA tap water safe to drink?
Bettendorf's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #423 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Bettendorf's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 173 violations are on record.
How is Bettendorf's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Bettendorf?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bettendorf's water come from?
Bettendorf's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 929 residents.
What health violations has Bettendorf's water system had?
Bettendorf has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bettendorf's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bettendorf uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 173 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Bettendorf's water compare to other cities?
Bettendorf ranks #423 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 3% of state cities) and #11491 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.