Des Moines
Is Des Moines tap water safe to drink?
Generally acceptable, but review local hotspots — score 76/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 2 local systems in Des Moines. We found 152 total violations (41 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 11:00 AM☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Des Moines.
Water Quality Impact
🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs
Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Des Moines?
Expert Advice
Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.
Buying a Filter?
Filtration technologies matched to Des Moines contaminant records.
Baby Formula Safety
Guidance on preparing infant formula using municipal tap water in Des Moines.
Homebuyer's Perspective
Municipal water quality in Des Moines directly influences pipe corrosion rates and home filtration needs. With a score of 76/100, we recommend budgeting for high-quality point-of-entry filtration systems to protect your home's value.
Health & Family Safety
Current records show no major contaminant spikes, making Des Moines a preferred choice for health-conscious families.
View Health Risk Glossary →Compliance Record for Des Moines
Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Des Moines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines tap water safe to drink?
Generally acceptable, but review local hotspots — score 76/100.
How many water systems serve Des Moines?
Des Moines is served by 2 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.
How can I check water quality for my exact address in Des Moines?
Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Des Moines.
What is the water quality score for Des Moines?
The water quality score for Des Moines is 76 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 Des Moines?
Current contaminant data for Des Moines is being updated. Check back soon or search your specific address for the latest results.
Des Moines Water Quality Summary
Des Moines, IA receives a water quality score of 76/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 2 public water systems serving the area.
Des Moines's water quality is near the national average. While most systems meet EPA standards, some violations have been recorded. Residents may wish to review their specific water system's report for contaminant details.
Des Moines's score of 76 is 4 points above the Iowa state average of 72, and below the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.
As a large city in the Midwest, Des Moines is served by water systems that deliver a generally reliable and above-average level of quality. Because the surrounding Iowa landscape is dominated by intensive row-crop and livestock agriculture, the regional groundwater remains highly prone to nitrate issues. For prospective homebuyers and residents, this environmental context means that while tap water quality is solid, local water supplies must consistently evaluate these regional agricultural factors.
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 →
No contaminant-specific recommendation is available from the records shown here.
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Water Systems Serving Des Moines (2)
Check Your Specific Address
Water quality can vary by neighborhood in Des Moines.
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