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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Analysis of arsenic contamination levels across Iowa cities
Complete list of cities where arsenic has been detected, sorted by level
| City | Level | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar RapidsGrade C | 0.0036 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 35.9% | Safe |
| Fort DodgeGrade C+ | 0.0032 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 31.7% | Safe |
| WaterlooGrade B- | 0.0031 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 30.5% | Safe |
| BurlingtonGrade B+ | 0.0028 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 28.2% | Safe |
| Cedar FallsGrade B | 0.0025 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 25.0% | Safe |
| BettendorfGrade B | 0.0018 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 17.9% | Safe |
| DubuqueGrade B- | 0.0018 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 17.7% | Safe |
| UrbandaleGrade B- | 0.0016 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 16.1% | Safe |
| Des MoinesGrade C+ | 0.0016 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 15.9% | Safe |
| Sioux CityGrade B+ | 0.0016 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 15.7% | Safe |
| Mason CityGrade A+ | 0.0015 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 14.7% | Safe |
| MarshalltownGrade A | 0.0013 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 12.6% | Safe |
| ClintonGrade A | 0.0012 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 12.3% | Safe |
| MarionGrade B+ | 0.0012 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 11.9% | Safe |
| Council BluffsGrade A+ | 0.0012 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 11.7% | Safe |
| JohnstonGrade A- | 0.0009 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 8.5% | Safe |
| MuscatineGrade B+ | 0.0009 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 8.5% | Safe |
| Iowa CityGrade A | 0.0008 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 7.8% | Safe |
| OttumwaGrade A- | 0.0007 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 6.7% | Safe |
| DavenportGrade A- | 0.0004 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 4.2% | Safe |
| CoralvilleGrade B+ | 0.0003 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 2.7% | Safe |
| West Des MoinesGrade A+ | 0.0003 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 2.6% | Safe |
| AnkenyGrade A- | 0.0002 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 2.2% | Safe |
| AmesGrade A | 0.0002 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 2.1% | Safe |
Arsenic is a known human carcinogen linked to cancers of the skin, bladder, lung, kidney, and liver. Long-term exposure can cause skin damage including color changes and lesions. Arsenic exposure is associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological effects. Studies have shown links between arsenic exposure and developmental effects in children, including reduced IQ and learning disabilities.
Erosion of natural deposits in the earth; runoff from orchards; discharge from glass and petroleum refineries
Based on our analysis of EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) data and local water utility reports,arsenic has been detected in 24 Iowa water systems. The average level across all tested cities is 14% of the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), with the highest detection at 35.9% of the limit.
The EPA set the arsenic MCL at 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb) in 2001. The EPA MCL for arsenic is 0.01 mg/L. This limit is set to protect public health based on available scientific evidence about the contaminant's health effects.
24 Iowa cities have arsenic detected in their water supply. All tested cities are within EPA safety limits.
Increased cancer risk (skin, bladder, lung), skin damage, cardiovascular disease, diabetes. The most vulnerable groups include children and people with cardiovascular conditions.
The most effective methods for removing arsenic include Reverse Osmosis, Adsorption Media (Iron-Based), Distillation. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI for arsenic reduction.
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for arsenic is 0.01 mg/L.The EPA set the arsenic MCL at 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb) in 2001.
Recommended filtration methods for arsenic removal:
Removes 90-95% of arsenic
Specifically designed for arsenic
Effective for all forms of arsenic