Ames
Is Ames tap water safe to drink?
Mostly yes — Ames scores 87/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 2 local systems in Ames. We found 86 total violations (11 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 11:00 AM☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Ames.
Water Quality Impact
🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs
Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Ames?
Expert Advice
Your water quality is excellent. Standard filtration is optional but can further enhance taste.
Buying a Filter?
Filtration technologies matched to Ames contaminant records.
Baby Formula Safety
Guidance on preparing infant formula using municipal tap water in Ames.
Homebuyer's Perspective
Municipal water quality in Ames directly influences pipe corrosion rates and home filtration needs. The high safety score (87/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.
Health & Family Safety
Residents should monitor Lead (90th percentile) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.
View Health Risk Glossary →Compliance Record for Ames
Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Ames.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ames tap water safe to drink?
Mostly yes — Ames scores 87/100.
How many water systems serve Ames?
Ames is served by 2 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.
How can I check water quality for my exact address in Ames?
Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Ames.
What is the water quality score for Ames?
The water quality score for Ames is 87 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 2 systems serving the city.
What are the top contaminants in Ames?
The top contaminants detected in Ames include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.
Ames Water Quality Summary
Ames, IA receives a water quality score of 87/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 2 public water systems serving the area.
Ames's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.
Ames's score of 87 is 15 points above the Iowa state average of 72, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.
For residents of Ames, Iowa, the mid-size city's local water systems deliver a solid quality of tap water that performs well overall. However, because this Midwestern municipality is situated in a region defined by intensive row-crop and livestock agriculture, the local groundwater is nitrate-prone. For prospective homebuyers, this regional setting highlights the importance of monitoring agricultural runoff, even though the current municipal supply remains highly reliable.
Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our Iowa water quality rankings report →
Key Contaminants
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Water Systems Serving Ames (2)
Check Your Specific Address
Water quality can vary by neighborhood in Ames.
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