Is Center Point, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.8/100
waterverge.com Center Point, IA — Water Quality Report
Center Point's drinking water received a grade of B (79.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,759 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 43 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Center Point's water
Center Point ranks #399 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Center Point 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, Center Point may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Center Point, IA water safe to drink?
Center Point's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,759 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Center Point
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Center Point's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Center Point's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Center Point's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Linn 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 Cedar River At Blairs Ferry Road At Palo.
Where does Center Point's water come from?
Center Point's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,759 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cedar River At Blairs Ferry Road At Palo (river).
What Center Point residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Center Point'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Center Point'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
Flood & disaster history
Linn 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.
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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Center Point compares by contaminant
Explore where Center Point ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Center Point's water comes from
Center Point'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,759 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Center Point
Center Point is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Center Point
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CENTER POINT WATER SUPPLY | IA5718006 | 2,579 | GW |
| VERN ACRES (OLIPHANT ADDITION) | IA5784303 | 150 | GW |
| KURTH ADDITION | IA5784319 | 30 | GW |
How Center Point compares
Full Iowa rankings →Center Point's score of 79.8/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Center Point, IA
Wikipedia →Center Point is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,579 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Center Point's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Linn
Frequently asked questions
Is Center Point, IA tap water safe to drink?
Center Point's water quality earned a grade of B (79.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #399 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Center Point's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.
How is Center Point'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 Center Point?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Center Point's water come from?
Center Point's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,759 residents.
What health violations has Center Point's water system had?
Center Point has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Center Point's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Center Point 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 43 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 Center Point's water compare to other cities?
Center Point ranks #399 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 8% of state cities) and #8130 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.