Is Tiffin, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.7/100
waterverge.com Tiffin, IA — Water Quality Report
Tiffin's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,685 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 25 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tiffin's water
Tiffin ranks #351 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Tiffin 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tiffin, IA water safe to drink?
Tiffin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,685 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tiffin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tiffin's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Tiffin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tiffin's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 2 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, Muddy Creek At Coralville, Clear Creek Near Oxford, Clear Creek Near Coralville, Iowa River At Iowa City.
Where does Tiffin's water come from?
Tiffin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,685 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), Muddy Creek At Coralville (river), Clear Creek Near Oxford (river), Clear Creek Near Coralville (river), Iowa River At Iowa City (river).
What Tiffin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tiffin'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.
Tiffin'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 Tiffin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tiffin, 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 | 9.1 mi |
LOPAREX LLC IOWA CITY, IA52240 | Toluene | 0 | 9.4 mi |
ROCKWELL COLLINS INC CORALVILLE OPERATIONS CORALVILLE, IA52241 | — | — | 2.2 mi |
HUBBARD FEEDS INC IOWA CITY, IA52240 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
INTEGRATED DNA TECHNOLOGIES CORALVILLE, IA52241 | — | — | 2.2 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.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tiffin compares by contaminant
Explore where Tiffin ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tiffin's water comes from
Tiffin'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 4,685 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Tiffin
Tiffin is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tiffin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIFFIN WATER SUPPLY | IA5288021 | 4,512 | GW |
| IADU CLEAR MHP LLC | IA5288601 | 173 | GWP |
How Tiffin compares
Full Iowa rankings →Tiffin's score of 84.7/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Tiffin, IA
Wikipedia →Tiffin is a city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Iowa City, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 4,512 at the time of the 2020 census. F. W. Kent County Park is located just to the west of Tiffin, and is a popular site for outdoor recreation in Johnson County, being noted for its lake, camping facilities, resident whitetail deer herd and wild turkeys, and its cross-country ski trails through rolling acres of oak and hickory forest.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tiffin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnson
Frequently asked questions
Is Tiffin, IA tap water safe to drink?
Tiffin's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #351 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Tiffin's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Tiffin'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 Tiffin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tiffin's water come from?
Tiffin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,685 residents.
What health violations has Tiffin's water system had?
Tiffin has 2 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tiffin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tiffin 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 25 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 Tiffin's water compare to other cities?
Tiffin ranks #351 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 19% of state cities) and #5728 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.