Is De Soto, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.2/100
waterverge.com De Soto, IA — Water Quality Report
De Soto's drinking water received a grade of B (78.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 960 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 25 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about De Soto's water
De Soto ranks #411 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
De Soto 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, De Soto 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 De Soto, IA water safe to drink?
De Soto's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 960 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for De Soto
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into De Soto's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). 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 De Soto'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
De Soto's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 10 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dallas County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 South Raccoon River At Redfield, Raccoon River At Van Meter.
Where does De Soto's water come from?
De Soto's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 960 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Raccoon River At Redfield (river), Raccoon River At Van Meter (river).
What De Soto residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in De Soto'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.
De Soto'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 De Soto
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near De Soto, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SIOUX CITY BRICK & TILE CO UNITED BRICK & TILE A DIV ADEL, IA50003 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
CENTRAL IOWA READY MIX ADEL, IA50003 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
INLAND COATINGS HOLDINGS LLC ADEL, IA50003 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
LIBERTY READY MIX - VAN METER FACILITY VAN METER, IA50261 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Dallas County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in De Soto'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. | 0.5 | 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. | 1.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.480 mg/L (2008)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how De Soto compares by contaminant
Explore where De Soto ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where De Soto's water comes from
De Soto'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 960 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near De Soto
De Soto is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving De Soto
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE SOTO WATER SUPPLY | IA2529035 | 960 | GW |
How De Soto compares
Full Iowa rankings →De Soto's score of 78.2/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About De Soto, IA
Wikipedia →Adel is a city in and the county seat of Dallas County, Iowa, United States. It is located along the North Raccoon River. Its population was 6,153 at the time of the 2020 Census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to De Soto's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dallas
Frequently asked questions
Is De Soto, IA tap water safe to drink?
De Soto's water quality earned a grade of B (78.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #411 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in De Soto's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is De Soto'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 De Soto?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does De Soto's water come from?
De Soto's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 960 residents.
What health violations has De Soto's water system had?
De Soto has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is De Soto's groundwater at risk of contamination?
De Soto 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 25 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 De Soto's water compare to other cities?
De Soto ranks #411 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 6% of state cities) and #8768 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does De Soto's small water system affect quality?
De Soto's system serves approximately 960 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 25 violations on record.