Is Mediapolis, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86/100
waterverge.com Mediapolis, IA — Water Quality Report
Mediapolis's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,788 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 15 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mediapolis's water
Mediapolis ranks #329 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.
As a small community water system, Mediapolis may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mediapolis, IA water safe to drink?
Mediapolis's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,788 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mediapolis
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mediapolis's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4732). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mediapolis's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mediapolis's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Des Moines County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 At Oakville.
Where does Mediapolis's water come from?
Mediapolis's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,788 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 At Oakville (river).
What Mediapolis residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mediapolis'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.
Mediapolis'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 Mediapolis
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mediapolis, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HAWKEYEPEDERSHAAB CONCRETE TECHNOLOGIES INC. MEDIAPOLIS, IA52637 | Manganese | 2 | 0.4 mi |
TRIOAK FOODS LLC - FEED MILL OAKVILLE, IA52646 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
US GYPSUM SPERRY MEDIAPOLIS, IA52637 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Des Moines County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mediapolis compares by contaminant
Explore where Mediapolis ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mediapolis's water comes from
Mediapolis'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 1,788 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mediapolis
Mediapolis is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mediapolis
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEDIAPOLIS WATER SUPPLY | IA2948062 | 1,688 | SWP |
| MEDIAPOLIS VILLAGE COURT | IA2948601 | 100 | SWP |
How Mediapolis compares
Full Iowa rankings →Mediapolis's score of 86/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Mediapolis, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mediapolis's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Des Moines
Frequently asked questions
Is Mediapolis, IA tap water safe to drink?
Mediapolis's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #329 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Mediapolis's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Mediapolis'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 Mediapolis?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mediapolis's water come from?
Mediapolis's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,788 residents.
What health violations has Mediapolis's water system had?
Mediapolis has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mediapolis's water compare to other cities?
Mediapolis ranks #329 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 25% of state cities) and #4991 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.