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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 fluoride contamination levels across Iowa cities
Complete list of cities where fluoride has been detected, sorted by level
| City | Level | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar RapidsGrade C | 1.18 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 29.5% | Safe |
| DubuqueGrade B- | 1.10 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 27.4% | Safe |
| Fort DodgeGrade C+ | 1.08 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 27.0% | Safe |
| UrbandaleGrade B- | 1.04 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 25.9% | Safe |
| WaterlooGrade B- | 0.885 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 22.1% | Safe |
| Des MoinesGrade C+ | 0.821 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 20.5% | Safe |
| North LibertyGrade A- | 0.781 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 19.5% | Safe |
| BettendorfGrade B | 0.774 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 19.4% | Safe |
| ClintonGrade A | 0.748 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 18.7% | Safe |
| DavenportGrade A- | 0.746 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 18.7% | Safe |
| MarionGrade B+ | 0.745 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 18.6% | Safe |
| MuscatineGrade B+ | 0.739 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 18.5% | Safe |
| Council BluffsGrade A+ | 0.726 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 18.2% | Safe |
| AnkenyGrade A- | 0.714 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 17.9% | Safe |
| Iowa CityGrade A | 0.704 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 17.6% | Safe |
| OttumwaGrade A- | 0.705 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 17.6% | Safe |
| JohnstonGrade A- | 0.704 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 17.6% | Safe |
| West Des MoinesGrade A+ | 0.696 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 17.4% | Safe |
| Sioux CityGrade B+ | 0.643 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 16.1% | Safe |
| CoralvilleGrade B+ | 0.628 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 15.7% | Safe |
| BurlingtonGrade B+ | 0.608 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 15.2% | Safe |
| Mason CityGrade A+ | 0.584 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 14.6% | Safe |
| AmesGrade A | 0.544 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 13.6% | Safe |
| MarshalltownGrade A | 0.507 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 12.7% | Safe |
While fluoride at low levels is added to prevent tooth decay, excessive exposure can cause problems. Dental fluorosis causes white spots on teeth in children. Skeletal fluorosis from long-term exposure to very high levels can cause joint stiffness and bone damage. Studies have suggested potential links between high fluoride levels and thyroid function issues.
Water additive for dental health; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer factories
Based on our analysis of EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) data and local water utility reports,fluoride has been detected in 24 Iowa water systems. The average level across all tested cities is 19% of the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), with the highest detection at 29.5% of the limit.
The EPA MCL for fluoride is 4.0 mg/L, with a secondary standard of 2.0 mg/L. The EPA MCL for fluoride is 4 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 fluoride detected in their water supply. All tested cities are within EPA safety limits.
Dental fluorosis (tooth discoloration), skeletal problems at high levels, potential thyroid effects. The most vulnerable groups include children during tooth development and people with kidney disease.
The most effective methods for removing fluoride include Reverse Osmosis, Distillation, Activated Alumina. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI for fluoride reduction.
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for fluoride is 4 mg/L.The EPA MCL for fluoride is 4.0 mg/L, with a secondary standard of 2.0 mg/L.
Recommended filtration methods for fluoride removal:
Removes 90-95% of fluoride
Very effective
Specifically designed for fluoride