Iowa Water Quality Rankings 2026

All 25 cities ranked by water quality score

State Average83/100

Cities Ranked

Council Bluffs

Best City (96/100)

Cedar Rapids

Lowest Score (64/100)

80%

Above National Avg

Grade Distribution

How Iowa's 25 cities are distributed by water quality grade

A Range

48% of cities

B Range

40% of cities

C Range

12% of cities

0% of cities

Cities with good water quality (B or better)76%

19 out of 25 cities meet or exceed a B grade for water quality

All 25 Iowa Cities Ranked

Sorted by water quality score from best to worst. Click any city for a detailed water quality report.

Rank	City	Score	Grade	Population	Top Concern
1	Council Bluffs	96/100	A+	62,799	None identified
2	Mason City	96/100	A+	27,338	None identified
3	West Des Moines	96/100	A+	68,723	None identified
#4	Clinton	94/100	A	24,469	None identified
#5	Iowa City	94/100	A	74,828	None identified
#6	Marshalltown	94/100	A	27,790	None identified
#7	Ames	90/100	A	66,258	None identified
#8	Ankeny	88/100	A-	67,887	None identified
#9	North Liberty	88/100	A-	21,470	None identified
#10	Ottumwa	88/100	A-	24,505	None identified
#11	Davenport	87/100	A-	101,724	None identified
#12	Johnston	87/100	A-	24,385	None identified
#13	Marion	84/100	B+	41,535	None identified
#14	Burlington	82/100	B+	24,858	None identified
#15	Muscatine	82/100	B+	23,797	None identified
#16	Coralville	81/100	B+	22,318	None identified
#17	Sioux City	81/100	B+	85,797	None identified
#18	Bettendorf	79/100	B	39,102	None identified
#19	Cedar Falls	78/100	B	41,566	None identified
#20	Waterloo	73/100	B-	67,314	None identified
#21	Dubuque	72/100	B-	59,667	None identified
#22	Urbandale	70/100	B-	45,779	None identified
#23	Des Moines	69/100	C+	214,133	None identified
#24	Fort Dodge	68/100	C+	24,000	None identified
#25	Cedar Rapids	64/100	C	137,710	None identified

Key Findings

The best water quality in Iowa is found in Council Bluffs with a score of 96/100 and a grade of A+. This puts Council Bluffs among the top-performing cities in the country for drinking water safety.

The most concerning water quality is in Cedar Rapids scoring 64/100 with a grade of C. Residents may want to consider home water testing and filtration options.

The statewide average score is 83/100, which is 11 points above the national average of 72/100. A strong majority (80%) of Iowa cities exceed the national average, indicating generally good water infrastructure across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city in Iowa has the best water quality?

Council Bluffs has the best water quality in Iowa with a score of 96/100 and a grade of A+. This score is based on contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and infrastructure quality. Council Bluffs ranks among the top cities nationally for water quality.

Is Iowa tap water safe to drink?

Water quality varies across Iowa. The state average score is 83/100. 76% of Iowa cities have good water quality (grade B or better). All cities in Iowa maintain at least a C-grade, though individual results can vary by neighborhood and home plumbing. Always check your specific city's water quality report for the most accurate local information.

How many Iowa cities have water quality concerns?

Of the 25 cities tracked in Iowa, 0 cities have a D or F grade, indicating significant water quality concerns. An additional 3 cities fall in the C range, suggesting moderate issues. 20 out of 25 cities (80%) score above the national average of 72/100. Residents concerned about their water quality can check their city's detailed report for specific contaminant information.