Is Gilbert, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper and Chlorate were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
84.8/100
waterverge.com Gilbert, IA — Water Quality Report
Gilbert's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,211 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 40 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gilbert's water
Gilbert ranks #349 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Gilbert 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, Gilbert may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gilbert, IA water safe to drink?
Gilbert's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,211 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gilbert
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gilbert's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4732). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Carbon tetrachloride, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gilbert'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
Gilbert's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 2 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, Mill Creek.
Where does Gilbert's water come from?
Gilbert's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,211 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), Mill Creek (river).
What Gilbert 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.
Gilbert'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 Gilbert
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gilbert, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BASF CORP AMES, IA50010 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
HACH CO AMES, IA50010 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
DSM NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS LLC AMES, IA50010 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
3M (MINNESOTA MINING & MFG CO) - AMES AMES, IA50010 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS (US) CO AMES, IA50010 | — | — | 6.1 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 Gilbert'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gilbert compares by contaminant
Explore where Gilbert ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gilbert's water comes from
Gilbert'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 1,211 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gilbert
Gilbert is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gilbert
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GILBERT WATER SUPPLY | IA8531083 | 1,211 | GW |
How Gilbert compares
Full Iowa rankings →Gilbert's score of 84.8/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Gilbert, IA
Wikipedia →Gilbert is a city in Story County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,211 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Ames, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a part of the larger Ames-Boone, Iowa Combined Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gilbert's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Story
Frequently asked questions
Is Gilbert, IA tap water safe to drink?
Gilbert's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #349 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Gilbert's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Gilbert'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 Gilbert?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gilbert's water come from?
Gilbert's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,211 residents.
What health violations has Gilbert's water system had?
Gilbert has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gilbert's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gilbert 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 40 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 Gilbert's water compare to other cities?
Gilbert ranks #349 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 20% of state cities) and #5689 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gilbert's small water system affect quality?
Gilbert's system serves approximately 1,211 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 40 violations on record.