Iowa – The Hawkeye State – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your state
Iowa’s water infrastructure serves approximately 3.2 million residents across a predominantly agricultural landscape, with water systems ranging from large municipal utilities to small rural cooperatives. The state operates through a network of over 1,800 public water systems, with 92.3% of Iowans served by public water systems. Most of these systems are small, with 71% serving fewer than 500 people and nearly all connecting less than 3,300 residents. Iowa’s water sources include an extensive network of rivers, streams, and underground aquifers, with the Jordan Aquifer and Mt. Simon Aquifer providing deep groundwater sources for many communities.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2023 Infrastructure Report Card, Iowa’s overall infrastructure received a C grade, with drinking water systems facing particular challenges from aging infrastructure and emerging contaminants. The state has received over $620 million in federal infrastructure investments from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address these challenges, focusing on drinking water safety, PFAS treatment, and rural system upgrades. Iowa’s commitment to water quality improvement is demonstrated through partnerships between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), local utilities, and federal agencies working to ensure safe, reliable water access while addressing the unique challenges facing agricultural communities and emerging contaminant concerns.
Iowa Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Statewide Compliance and Testing
- Overall Compliance: The majority of Iowa’s 1,800+ public water systems meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards, with public health violations trending downward from 259 violations in 2011 to 107 violations by 2021 across 70 systems.
- PFAS Monitoring: Iowa has conducted comprehensive PFAS testing across 116 drinking water supplies representing approximately 46% of the state’s population, with 94% of surface water sources showing PFAS contamination compared to 30% of groundwater sources.
- Infrastructure Investment: Over $620 million in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been allocated to Iowa for water infrastructure improvements, including specific funding for emerging contaminants and lead service line replacement.
Major Water Sources and Challenges
- Surface Water Systems: Rivers and streams face significant contamination challenges, with 94% of surface water sources testing positive for PFAS and over 55% of Iowa’s assessed rivers and streams classified as impaired in 2022.
- Groundwater Aquifers: Deep groundwater from the Jordan and Mt. Simon aquifers provides cleaner water sources with lower PFAS contamination rates, though shallow wells and alluvial aquifers show higher contamination levels, particularly near the Mississippi River.
- Agricultural Impact: Iowa’s extensive agricultural landscape contributes to water quality challenges through nutrient runoff and the use of PFAS-containing materials, requiring ongoing monitoring and treatment upgrades.
Emerging Contaminant Response
- PFAS Regulation Implementation: New EPA drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS (4 parts per trillion) take effect in 2029, requiring significant infrastructure investments from affected water systems across the state, particularly those using surface water sources.
- Treatment Technology Deployment: Water utilities are implementing advanced treatment technologies including activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis systems, with the Iowa DNR providing technical assistance and monitoring support.
- Research and Innovation: The University of Iowa hosted the 2025 Iowa PFAS Conference, bringing together researchers, regulators, and utilities to develop innovative approaches to PFAS testing and treatment in Iowa’s unique water environment.
Rural and Small System Challenges
- Infrastructure Disparities: Small rural water systems face disproportionate challenges with limited technical capacity and higher per-capita costs, as 71% of Iowa’s public water systems serve fewer than 500 people.
- Targeted Federal Support: Dedicated funding streams through the Emerging Contaminant and disadvantaged community programs provide grants and forgivable loans to ensure equitable access to safe drinking water in rural Iowa.
- Asset Management: Few utilities are reinvesting in underground infrastructure at the recommended rate of 1% to 3% of system value, with many municipal systems reporting distribution infrastructure beyond expected usable life.
Looking Forward: 2025-2030
Iowa’s water quality landscape faces unprecedented transformation as utilities prepare for new federal PFAS regulations taking effect in 2029. The state’s proactive approach to PFAS monitoring, combined with substantial federal infrastructure investments exceeding $620 million, positions Iowa to address both legacy agricultural impacts and emerging contaminant challenges. Success will require continued collaboration between the Iowa DNR, small rural systems, and agricultural communities to ensure that all Iowans have access to safe, affordable drinking water while managing the unique challenges of serving predominantly rural populations and addressing the widespread PFAS contamination found in the state’s surface water sources.
Recommendations for Iowa Residents
Know Your Water Source
Contact your water utility to request annual water quality reports and ask about PFAS testing results. Visit the Iowa DNR’s Safe Drinking Water Information System to access your local system’s testing data and understand any contaminants of concern in your area.
Support Infrastructure Investment
Stay informed about local water infrastructure needs and support utility rate structures that enable necessary improvements. Attend public meetings when utilities discuss infrastructure upgrades and PFAS treatment investments.
Consider PFAS-Certified Filtration
For areas with known PFAS contamination, consider NSF-certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters specifically tested for PFAS removal. These can provide additional protection while utilities implement treatment upgrades.
Report Water Quality Concerns
Contact your local water utility immediately for taste, odor, or color concerns. Report suspected contamination to the Iowa DNR Environmental Services at (515) 725-8200 for investigation and follow-up.
Practice Water Conservation
Support Iowa’s water sustainability by implementing conservation measures like efficient irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and low-flow fixtures. Reducing demand helps utilities maintain system reliability and affordability.
Iowa Cities We Cover
Des Moines Water Quality
Comprehensive analysis of Des Moines Water Works, serving over 600,000 central Iowans. Includes information on water sources, treatment processes, infrastructure modernization, and proactive PFAS monitoring results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa’s tap water safe to drink?
Most of Iowa’s public water systems meet federal drinking water standards and are generally safe for consumption, with public health violations declining significantly from 259 in 2011 to 107 by 2021.
However, PFAS contamination is widespread in Iowa’s surface water sources, with 94% of surface water supplies testing positive for these chemicals. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has conducted extensive testing across 116 water supplies representing nearly half the state’s population. While many systems currently meet drinking water standards, utilities are preparing for new EPA PFAS limits taking effect in 2029. Residents should review their utility’s annual water quality report and stay informed about local conditions.
Why does Iowa have high PFAS levels in surface water?
Iowa’s extensive agricultural landscape and industrial history contribute to widespread PFAS contamination, particularly in surface water sources like rivers and streams.
PFAS chemicals enter Iowa’s water through multiple pathways including agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, landfill leachate, and the application of sewage sludge to farmland. The state’s flat terrain and extensive tile drainage systems can transport these persistent chemicals from agricultural areas directly into waterways. Research shows that 94% of Iowa’s surface water sources contain detectable PFAS levels, compared to 30% of groundwater sources. The Mississippi River also influences groundwater contamination patterns in eastern Iowa.
How can I find out about my local water quality in Iowa?
Iowa residents can access comprehensive water quality information through several resources:
• Annual Water Quality Reports: Contact your water utility directly for their Consumer Confidence Report, which details all testing results and any violations or concerns
• Iowa DNR SDWIS: Visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Safe Drinking Water Information System online database to access testing results and compliance information for your local water system
• PFAS Testing Data: The Iowa DNR requires comprehensive PFAS testing and makes results publicly available through their monitoring programs
• EWG Tap Water Database: Use your zip code to search for contaminants detected in your local water system and get filter recommendations
What challenges do Iowa’s small water systems face?
Iowa’s predominantly rural character creates unique water infrastructure challenges:
System Size: 71% of Iowa’s public water systems serve fewer than 500 people, making compliance with new regulations like PFAS treatment economically challenging
Technical Capacity: Small systems often lack the technical expertise and financial resources to implement complex treatment technologies required for emerging contaminants
Infrastructure Age: Many municipal systems report distribution infrastructure beyond expected usable life, with few utilities reinvesting at recommended rates of 1-3% of system value annually
Federal Support: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides over $620 million to Iowa specifically to help smaller systems address these challenges through grants and low-interest loans
Contaminants of Concern
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
Source: Agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, landfill leachate, sewage sludge application to farmland, and historical use of firefighting foam at airports and military installations
Health Effects: Linked to kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, immune system suppression, high cholesterol, and developmental effects in children
Current Status: 94% of Iowa’s surface water sources test positive for PFAS, with contaminated groundwater averaging 43.9 ng/L compared to 9.8 ng/L in surface water. Systems must comply with new EPA limits by 2029 EPA Limits: 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS individually, with hazard index for other PFAS compounds
Agricultural Contaminants
Source: Nutrient runoff from fertilizers and livestock operations, pesticide applications, and tile drainage systems that transport contaminants from farmland to waterways
Health Effects: Nitrates can cause methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) in infants, while pesticide residues may contribute to various health concerns including endocrine disruption
Current Status: Over 55% of Iowa’s assessed rivers and streams were classified as impaired in 2022, with 577 water bodies containing 746 total impairments as of 2024 Regulatory Response: Iowa DNR oversight and watershed management programs, with 27 Watershed Management Authorities covering 40% of the state
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