Is Hills, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.4/100
waterverge.com Hills, IA — Water Quality Report
Hills's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 863 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hills's water
Hills ranks #324 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hills 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, Hills may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hills, IA water safe to drink?
Hills's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 863 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hills
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hills's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4119). 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 Hills's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hills's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Johnson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Rapid Creek Near Iowa City, Muddy Creek At Coralville, Clear Creek Near Coralville, Iowa River At Iowa City, South Branch Ralston Creek At Iowa City.
Where does Hills's water come from?
Hills's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 863 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rapid Creek Near Iowa City (river), Muddy Creek At Coralville (river), Clear Creek Near Coralville (river), Iowa River At Iowa City (river), South Branch Ralston Creek At Iowa City (river).
What Hills 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.
Hills'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 Hills
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hills, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PROCTER & GAMBLE HAIR CARE LLC IOWA CITY, IA52240 | Zinc compounds | 10 | 6.0 mi |
LOPAREX LLC IOWA CITY, IA52240 | Toluene | 0 | 5.9 mi |
HUBBARD FEEDS INC IOWA CITY, IA52240 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
P&G IOWA CITY POWER ORAL CARE IOWA CITY, IA52246 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Johnson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hills compares by contaminant
Explore where Hills ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hills's water comes from
Hills'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 863 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hills
Hills is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hills
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HILLS WATER SUPPLY | IA5221001 | 863 | GW |
How Hills compares
Full Iowa rankings →Hills's score of 86.4/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Hills, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hills's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnson
Frequently asked questions
Is Hills, IA tap water safe to drink?
Hills's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #324 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Hills's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Hills'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 Hills?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hills's water come from?
Hills's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 863 residents.
Is Hills's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hills 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 2 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 Hills's water compare to other cities?
Hills ranks #324 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 26% of state cities) and #4734 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hills's small water system affect quality?
Hills's system serves approximately 863 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 2 violations on record.