Strontium Contamination

Strontium in Iowa Drinking Water

Ranked by max strontium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over HRL

% Over HRL

538.6 µg/L

State Avg

▲ 2% vs national

vs National

303

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Iowa: what the data shows

Iowa has 51 cities with strontium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Strontium was detected above the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level in 4 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 538.6 µg/L. Strontium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in areas with limestone and dolomite geology. It can also enter water from industrial waste and mining operations. There is no federal MCL for strontium, but the EPA established a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L. Long-term exposure to strontium above the HRL may affect bone health, particularly in children, by substituting for calcium in developing bones. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1,500 µg/L EPA HRL (no MCL)

Iowa

4 of 51 cities

→ ▲ 2% above national rate (worse)

National avg

250 of 4371 cities

City Map

Strontium data across Iowa

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 strontium testing data. Cities where strontium exceeds the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by strontium level in Iowa

Highest Strontium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Iowa cities ranked by strontium level

#	City	Level	Over HRL?	Violations	Grade
1	Clinton	3046.8 µg/L	Over HRL	0	A-
2	Fort Dodge	2740.0 µg/L	Over HRL	19	D+
3	Coralville	2020.0 µg/L	Over HRL	15	B
4	Marion	1563.7 µg/L	Over HRL	6	A-
5	Sioux City	1340.0 µg/L	No	14	B
6	Mount Vernon	1200.0 µg/L	No	0	A
7	Waterloo	1174.3 µg/L	No	3	A-
8	Indianola	1140.0 µg/L	No	7	A-
9	Altoona	996.0 µg/L	No	20	B+
10	Cedar Falls	912.0 µg/L	No	4	A-
11	Emmetsburg	763.0 µg/L	No	1	A-
12	Ottumwa	757.0 µg/L	No	6	B+
13	Ankeny	750.0 µg/L	No	15	B
14	West Des Moines	743.0 µg/L	No	1	B+
15	West Bend	581.0 µg/L	No	6	A+
16	Storm Lake	569.0 µg/L	No	1	A-
17	Gilbert	508.0 µg/L	No	1	B+
18	Scranton	504.0 µg/L	No	6	B
19	Carroll	440.0 µg/L	No	0	B
20	Council Bluffs	395.0 µg/L	No	8	B+
21	Pella	360.0 µg/L	No	4	A-
22	Iowa City	347.0 µg/L	No	171	F
23	Mason City	329.0 µg/L	No	18	A-
24	Urbandale	318.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
25	May City	297.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
26	Ames	264.0 µg/L	No	15	B+
27	Elk Horn	260.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
28	Des Moines	218.0 µg/L	No	7	B+
29	Waverly	199.0 µg/L	No	2	B+
30	Johnston	195.0 µg/L	No	6	B+
31	Clive	192.0 µg/L	No	1	A
32	Newton	185.6 µg/L	No	2	A
33	Boone	174.0 µg/L	No	9	B
34	Marshalltown	170.0 µg/L	No	4	A-
35	Creston	156.0 µg/L	No	9	A-
36	Lenox	156.0 µg/L	No	0	A
37	Muscatine	152.0 µg/L	No	46	F
38	Princeton	125.8 µg/L	No	18	B
39	Denison	125.0 µg/L	No	0	A
40	Woodward	121.0 µg/L	No	17	B
41	Durant	120.0 µg/L	No	2	A
42	Centerville	116.0 µg/L	No	4	B+
43	Keokuk	106.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
44	Burlington	96.0 µg/L	No	7	B+
45	Fort Madison	90.9 µg/L	No	6	A-
46	Davenport	88.9 µg/L	No	2	C-
47	Spencer	88.7 µg/L	No	1	A
48	Oskaloosa	85.3 µg/L	No	11	A-
49	Cedar Rapids	75.0 µg/L	No	31	D
50	Brooklyn	73.4 µg/L	No	10	A+
51	Dubuque	41.2 µg/L	No	30	F

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about strontium in Iowa

Is strontium in Iowa tap water harmful?

Strontium at low levels is not considered harmful, but the EPA set a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L based on potential bone effects. 4 cities in Iowa exceed this HRL. There is currently no federal MCL for strontium. Children may be more susceptible because strontium can substitute for calcium in developing bones.

How can I remove strontium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softener) systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective. If your water comes from a well in an area with limestone or dolomite geology, consider testing for strontium.

More contaminants