Ottumwa
Is Ottumwa tap water safe to drink?
Mostly yes — Ottumwa scores 81/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 2 local systems in Ottumwa. We found 105 total violations (23 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 09:30 PM☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Ottumwa.
Water Quality Impact
🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs
Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Ottumwa?
Expert Advice
Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.
Buying a Filter?
Filter requirements and certified reduction benchmarks for Ottumwa tap water.
Baby Formula Safety
Infant formula preparation risks, nitrate levels, and lead pipe guidance in Ottumwa.
Homebuyer's Perspective
Evaluating water infrastructure in Ottumwa protects plumbing and helps estimate water heater longevity. The high safety score (81/100) 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 Ottumwa
Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Ottumwa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ottumwa tap water safe to drink?
Mostly yes — Ottumwa scores 81/100.
How many water systems serve Ottumwa?
Ottumwa is served by 2 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.
How can I check water quality for my exact address in Ottumwa?
Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Ottumwa.
What is the water quality score for Ottumwa?
The water quality score for Ottumwa is 81 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 Ottumwa?
The top contaminants detected in Ottumwa include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.
Ottumwa Water Quality Summary
Ottumwa, IA receives a water quality score of 81/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 2 public water systems serving the area.
Ottumwa'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.
Ottumwa's score of 81 is 9 points above the Iowa state average of 72, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.
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 Ottumwa (2)
Check Your Specific Address
Water quality can vary by neighborhood in Ottumwa.
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