Is Solon, 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 ↓
44/100
waterverge.com Solon, IA — Water Quality Report
Solon's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 14 water systems serve approximately 4,330 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 364 violations on record, including 157 health-based violations. 50 remain unresolved.
What to know about Solon's water
Solon ranks #432 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Solon 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.
The system has seen 43 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Solon, IA water safe to drink?
Solon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 14 water systems serve approximately 4,330 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Solon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Solon's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM, Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Arsenic.
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 Solon'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
Solon's water system has 364 total violations on record, including 157 health-based violations. 50 remain unresolved. 43 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.
Where does Solon's water come from?
Solon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 14 water systems serving approximately 4,330 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. 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).
What Solon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Solon'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Solon'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 Solon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Solon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROCKWELL COLLINS INC CORALVILLE OPERATIONS CORALVILLE, IA52241 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
INTEGRATED DNA TECHNOLOGIES CORALVILLE, IA52241 | — | — | 9.7 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 Solon'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. | 5.0 | 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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.500 mg/L (2006)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Solon compares by contaminant
Explore where Solon ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Solon's water comes from
Solon'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 4,330 people through 14 water systems.
Water bodies near Solon
Solon is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Solon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOLON WATER DEPT | IA5282062 | 3,018 | GW |
| LAKE CREST MANOR HOA #3 | IA5200891 | 300 | GW |
| NORTH TWIN VIEW HEIGHTS | IA5200813 | 180 | GW |
| CORALVILLE LAKE MANOR | IA5200825 | 170 | GW |
| TWIN VIEW HEIGHTS | IA5282301 | 155 | GW |
| TWIN VALLEY LAKES IMPROVEMENT ASSN | IA5200861 | 100 | GW |
| HIDDEN ACRES SUBDIVISION | IA5282308 | 90 | GW |
| LAKE MACBRIDE HEIGHTS HOA | IA5282305 | 69 | GW |
| MACBRIDE ESTATES DEVELOPMENT | IA5282310 | 63 | GW |
| INDIAN HILLS HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION | IA5280302 | 62 | GW |
| GALLERY ACRES WEST | IA5282306 | 43 | GWP |
| POLK AVENUE WATER ASSOCIATION | IA5200899 | 30 | GW |
| CHAIN RIDGE SUBDIVISION | IA5282307 | 25 | GW |
| MCBRIDE POINTE THIRD MASTER MAINTENANCE | IA5282311 | 25 | GW |
How Solon compares
Full Iowa rankings →Solon's score of 44/100 is below the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Solon, IA
Wikipedia →Solon is a city located in Johnson County, Iowa, United States. Part of the Iowa City, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area, it is located a few miles from Lake MacBride State Park and the larger cities of Coralville and Iowa City. The population was 3,018 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Solon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnson
Frequently asked questions
Is Solon, IA tap water safe to drink?
Solon's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #432 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Solon's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 364 violations are on record.
How is Solon'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 Solon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Solon's water come from?
Solon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 14 water systems serving approximately 4,330 residents.
What health violations has Solon's water system had?
Solon has 157 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 50 violations remain unresolved.
Is Solon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Solon 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 364 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 Solon's water compare to other cities?
Solon ranks #432 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 1% of state cities) and #14465 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.