Is Fairfax, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Fairfax, IA — Water Quality Report
Fairfax's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,913 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 12 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fairfax's water
Fairfax ranks #237 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Fairfax 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, Fairfax may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fairfax, IA water safe to drink?
Fairfax's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,913 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fairfax
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fairfax's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
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 Fairfax'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
Fairfax's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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 Price Creek At Amana, Cedar River At Blairs Ferry Road At Palo, Morgan Creek Near Covington, Cedar River At Edgewood Road At Cedar Rapids, Cedar River At Cedar Rapids.
Where does Fairfax's water come from?
Fairfax's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,913 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Price Creek At Amana (river), Cedar River At Blairs Ferry Road At Palo (river), Morgan Creek Near Covington (river), Cedar River At Edgewood Road At Cedar Rapids (river), Cedar River At Cedar Rapids (river).
What Fairfax residents can do
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.
Fairfax'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 Fairfax
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fairfax, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 762 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PMX INDUSTRIES INC CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Copper compounds | 603 | 4.5 mi |
RED STAR YEAST CO LLC CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 148 | 4.9 mi |
CARGILL INC CORN MILLING CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52401 | Acetaldehyde | 8 | 7.4 mi |
PRAIRIE CREEK GENERATING STATION CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 2 | 7.3 mi |
HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT CO CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Manganese | 1 | 4.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Fairfax'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. | 2.0 | 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. | 1.53 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.530 mg/L (2014)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Fairfax compares by contaminant
Explore where Fairfax ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fairfax's water comes from
Fairfax'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 2,913 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fairfax
Fairfax is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fairfax
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIRFAX WATER SUPPLY | IA5731032 | 2,828 | GW |
| WEST POST ESTATES ADDITION | IA5731301 | 85 | GW |
How Fairfax compares
Full Iowa rankings →Fairfax's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Fairfax, IA
Wikipedia →Fairfax is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,828 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fairfax's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Linn
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairfax, IA tap water safe to drink?
Fairfax's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #237 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Fairfax's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Fairfax'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 Fairfax?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fairfax's water come from?
Fairfax's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,913 residents.
What health violations has Fairfax's water system had?
Fairfax has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fairfax's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fairfax 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 12 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 Fairfax's water compare to other cities?
Fairfax ranks #237 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 46% of state cities) and #2902 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.