Is Swisher, 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 ↓
43.1/100
waterverge.com Swisher, IA — Water Quality Report
Swisher's drinking water received a grade of F (43.1 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 724 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 119 violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved.
What to know about Swisher's water
Swisher ranks #433 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Swisher 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, Swisher may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Swisher, IA water safe to drink?
Swisher's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 724 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Swisher
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Swisher's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43.1/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Swisher'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
Swisher's water system has 119 total violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved. 25 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 Price Creek At Amana, Clear Creek Near Oxford.
Where does Swisher's water come from?
Swisher's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 724 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Price Creek At Amana (river), Clear Creek Near Oxford (river).
What Swisher residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Swisher'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.
Swisher'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 Swisher
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Swisher, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 762 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PMX INDUSTRIES INC CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Copper compounds | 603 | 5.7 mi |
RED STAR YEAST CO LLC CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 148 | 5.2 mi |
CARGILL INC CORN MILLING CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52401 | Acetaldehyde | 8 | 9.0 mi |
PRAIRIE CREEK GENERATING STATION CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 2 | 7.4 mi |
HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT CO CEDAR RAPIDS, IA52404 | Manganese | 1 | 4.2 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 Swisher'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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (2019)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Swisher compares by contaminant
Explore where Swisher ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Swisher's water comes from
Swisher'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 private ownership and serves approximately 724 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Swisher
Swisher is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Swisher
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROYAL OAKS SUBDIVISION | IA5282303 | 163 | GW |
| LAKE VISTA SUBDIVISION | IA5282302 | 134 | GW |
| OAK RIDGE LAKE ESTATES | IA5225302 | 88 | GW |
| FISHER WELL OWNERS ASSOCIATION | IA5285305 | 80 | GW |
| ORCHARD HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION | IA5285303 | 78 | GW |
| WINCHESTER HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION | IA5285302 | 67 | GW |
| LINDSEY ESTATES | IA5285301 | 62 | GW |
| TIMBERLAKE | IA5200810 | 52 | GW |
How Swisher compares
Full Iowa rankings →Swisher's score of 43.1/100 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 Swisher, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Swisher's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnson
Frequently asked questions
Is Swisher, IA tap water safe to drink?
Swisher's water quality earned a grade of F (43.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #433 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Swisher's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 119 violations are on record.
How is Swisher'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 Swisher?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Swisher's water come from?
Swisher's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 724 residents.
What health violations has Swisher's water system had?
Swisher has 37 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 31 violations remain unresolved.
Is Swisher's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Swisher 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 119 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 Swisher's water compare to other cities?
Swisher ranks #433 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 1% of state cities) and #14637 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.