Is Slater, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.5/100
waterverge.com Slater, IA — Water Quality Report
Slater's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,698 residents using gup.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 11 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Slater's water
Slater ranks #378 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Slater may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Slater, IA water safe to drink?
Slater's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,698 residents using gup.
Recent water quality updates for Slater
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Slater's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.5/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrite.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1230). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Slater's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Slater's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Story County has experienced 7 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 Ioway Creek At Ames, South Skunk River Below Ioway Creek Near Ames.
Where does Slater's water come from?
Slater's drinking water comes from gup, supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,698 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ioway Creek At Ames (river), South Skunk River Below Ioway Creek Near Ames (river).
What Slater 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Slater'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
Flood & disaster history
Story County has experienced 7 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 Slater'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. | 7.0 | 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. | 1.37 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Slater compares by contaminant
Explore where Slater ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Slater's water comes from
Slater's water comes from groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, a designation that requires the same treatment rigor as surface water systems.
This source type is vulnerable to both surface contamination pathways and naturally occurring underground contaminants.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,698 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Slater
Slater is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Slater
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLATER MUNI WATER DEPT | IA8580057 | 1,548 | GUP |
| HAMMOND ESTATES | IA8580601 | 150 | GUP |
How Slater compares
Full Iowa rankings →Slater's score of 82.5/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Slater, IA
Wikipedia →Slater is a city in Story County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,543 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Slater's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Story
Frequently asked questions
Is Slater, IA tap water safe to drink?
Slater's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #378 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Slater's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Slater'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 Slater?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Slater's water come from?
Slater's water is sourced from GUP. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,698 residents.
What health violations has Slater's water system had?
Slater has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Slater's water compare to other cities?
Slater ranks #378 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 13% of state cities) and #6925 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.