Is Iowa City, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Iowa City, IA — Water Quality Report
Iowa City's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 31 water systems serve approximately 101,015 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.
The system has 691 violations on record, including 171 health-based violations. 101 remain unresolved.
What to know about Iowa City's water
Iowa City ranks #435 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 2.75 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
The system has seen 44 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Iowa City, IA water safe to drink?
Iowa City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 31 water systems serve approximately 101,015 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Iowa City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Iowa City's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Combined Radium (-226 and -228), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4119). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Iowa City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.
Violation history
Iowa City's water system has 691 total violations on record, including 171 health-based violations. 101 remain unresolved. 44 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Iowa River Below Coralville Dam Nr Coralville, Rapid Creek Near Iowa City, Muddy Creek At Coralville, Clear Creek Near Coralville, Iowa River At Iowa City.
Where does Iowa City's water come from?
Iowa City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 31 water systems serving approximately 101,015 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Iowa River Below Coralville Dam Nr Coralville (river), Rapid Creek Near Iowa City (river), Muddy Creek At Coralville (river), Clear Creek Near Coralville (river), Iowa River At Iowa City (river).
What Iowa City residents can do
Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Iowa City'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.
Iowa City'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 ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Iowa City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Iowa City, 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 | 1.9 mi |
LOPAREX LLC IOWA CITY, IA52240 | Toluene | 0 | 2.2 mi |
ROCKWELL COLLINS INC CORALVILLE OPERATIONS CORALVILLE, IA52241 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
HUBBARD FEEDS INC IOWA CITY, IA52240 | — | — | 1.9 mi |
INTEGRATED DNA TECHNOLOGIES CORALVILLE, IA52241 | — | — | 5.1 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Iowa City'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. | 3.0 | 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. | 2.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | 72.000 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Iowa City compares by contaminant
Explore where Iowa City ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Iowa City's water comes from
Iowa City's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 101,015 people through 31 water systems.
Water bodies near Iowa City
Iowa City is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Iowa City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IOWA CITY WATER DEPARTMENT | IA5225079 | 68,753 | SW |
| UNIVERSITY WATER SYSTEM | IA5225101 | 26,684 | SW |
| LAKE RIDGE, INCORPORATED | IA5225315 | 1,300 | GW |
| MODERN MANOR, INC | IA5225601 | 915 | GW |
| IOWA CITY REGENCY MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY | IA5225673 | 700 | GW |
| SUNRISE VILLAGE MOBILE HOME PK | IA5200602 | 340 | GW |
| IOWA CITY MHP LLC | IA5200601 | 280 | GW |
| COTTAGE RESERVE CORPORATION | IA5200801 | 198 | GW |
| SPRING VALLEY HOMEOWNERS ASSN. | IA5225303 | 163 | GW |
| PRAIRIE VIEW ESTATES ASSOC JOHNSON CNTY | IA5225326 | 155 | GW |
| FORESTGATE SUBDIVISION | IA5225307 | 140 | GW |
| LAKEVIEW KNOLLS HOMEOWNERS ASSN. | IA5200304 | 122 | GW |
| WESTCOTT HEIGHTS HOA PART THREE | IA5225327 | 120 | GW |
| RIVERVIEW ESTATES | IA5200347 | 108 | GW |
| MAKADA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION | IA5225304 | 85 | GW |
| LYN-DEN HEIGHTS HOMEOWNERS ASSOC. | IA5225301 | 84 | GW |
| TIMBER TRAIL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION | IA5200303 | 80 | GW |
| FAR HORIZONS SUBDIVISION | IA5225386 | 80 | GW |
| ORCHARD VIEW ESTATES | IA5282304 | 78 | GW |
| RAPID CREEK RIDGE | IA5225387 | 70 | GW |
| WENDRAM BLUFF HOMES WATER SYSTEM | IA5225306 | 68 | GW |
| TURKEY CREEK DEVELOPMENT | IA5225316 | 65 | GW |
| WESTCOTT HEIGHTS PARTS 1 & 2 | IA5225325 | 63 | GW |
| KESSLERS HOMEOWNERS ASSN | IA5200802 | 60 | GW |
| CHERRY HILLS SUBDIVISION | IA5225305 | 59 | GW |
| NORTHWOOD ESTATES | IA5225308 | 52 | GW |
| REDWING ESTATES HOA | IA5225313 | 48 | GW |
| WOODLAND RIDGE ESTATES | IA5225333 | 42 | GW |
| WOODLAND HEIGHTS HOMEOWNERS ASSOC. | IA5225309 | 41 | GW |
| THE MEADOWS | IA5225321 | 35 | GW |
| STONEY POINTE SUBDIVISION | IA5225317 | 27 | GW |
How Iowa City compares
Full Iowa rankings →Iowa City's score of 42/100 is below the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Iowa City, IA
Wikipedia →Iowa City is the largest city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States, and its county seat. The population was 74,828 at the 2020 census, making it the state's fifth-most populous city. The Iowa City metropolitan area, which encompasses Johnson and Washington counties, has a population of over 171,000. The metro area is also a part of a combined statistical area with the Cedar Rapids metro area known as the Iowa City–Cedar Rapids region; collectively, this region has a population of nearly 500,000.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Iowa City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnson
Frequently asked questions
Is Iowa City, IA tap water safe to drink?
Iowa City's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #435 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Iowa City's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 691 violations are on record.
How is Iowa City'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 Iowa City?
PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.
Where does Iowa City's water come from?
Iowa City's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 31 water systems serving approximately 101,015 residents.
What health violations has Iowa City's water system had?
Iowa City has 171 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 101 violations remain unresolved.
How does Iowa City's water compare to other cities?
Iowa City ranks #435 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 0% of state cities) and #14868 out of 15744 cities nationally (6th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.