PFAS in Drinking Water in Iowa
What residents of Iowa need to know about PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water — including contamination sources, which utilities have documented violations, and how to filter PFAS from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, CDC · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is PFAS in drinking water a real concern in Iowa?
PFAS contamination in Iowa is primarily associated with the Iowa Air National Guard at Sioux Gateway Airport/Col. Bud Day Field near Sioux City and industrial facilities in the Des Moines and Iowa City corridors. While Iowa's PFAS profile is less severe than states with large active military installations, multiple public water systems have reported PFAS detections through UCMR5 monitoring.
Where does PFAS come from in Iowa?
Fire training activities at Iowa's Air National Guard facilities, airports, and industrial sites are the primary PFAS sources. The Iowa Air National Guard at Sioux Gateway Airport has documented AFFF use. Municipal water systems in larger Iowa cities drawing from the Des Moines, Cedar, and Iowa rivers may also detect PFAS from upstream agricultural and industrial sources.
What should Iowa residents know?
Iowa DNR has required PFAS testing under federal UCMR5 monitoring. Residents near ANG facilities and in larger Iowa cities should review their utility's CCR and UCMR5 data. Private well users in rural Iowa — already at elevated nitrate risk from agriculture — should consider a combined PFAS/nitrate panel test.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS) | 4 ppt — effective April 2024 |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary contamination sources | Iowa ANG at Sioux Gateway Airport, industrial sites, fire training areas |
| River system concern | Des Moines River and Cedar River — PFAS from upstream industrial and municipal sources |
| State regulator | Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
| Health effects | Cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disruption, immune effects, developmental toxicity |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis or GAC; Des Moines Water Works evaluating large-scale PFAS treatment |
Why PFAS Matters in Iowa
Iowa's PFAS contamination is less concentrated than in states with major active-duty military installations, but documented sources exist at Guard facilities and industrial sites. Iowa's extensive agricultural landscape means surface water bodies that supply municipal systems have complex chemical inputs from upstream sources. The Des Moines Water Works, Iowa's largest water utility, has been a national leader in transparency about water quality — including PFAS monitoring data. Iowa DNR has expanded testing requirements and is working with utilities to understand the scope of PFAS occurrence across the state.
Iowa PFAS Regulation
Iowa DNR participates in EPA UCMR5 monitoring and has conducted PFAS assessments at Iowa ANG facilities and industrial sites. Iowa's extensive agricultural use of municipal biosolids as fertilizer has raised concerns about PFAS uptake into private wells in rural areas. Iowa does not have a state PFAS MCL more protective than federal.
Largest Iowa Water Utilities
No PFAS violations on record in EPA SDWIS for Iowa utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and AFFF firefighting foam. Their carbon-fluorine bonds do not break down in the environment or the body — hence the name “forever chemicals.” AFFF used at military bases is the single largest source of PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
Full PFAS overview — national data, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Sioux City area residents near Sioux Gateway Airport/ANG facility, communities drawing from the Des Moines River and Cedar River systems, and private well owners in industrial corridors should prioritize reviewing available PFAS monitoring data from their utilities.
Residents near military bases with AFFF use history
Private well owners near military or industrial sites
Pregnant residents and families with young children
Residents in communities with documented PFAS detections
Anyone who has consumed water above 4 ppt for an extended period
Residents near airports, fire training areas, or industrial manufacturers
How to Check Your Situation in Iowa
- 1
Identify your water utility using the ZIP lookup below or by browsing the Iowa utility directory on this site.
- 2
Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — it must report PFAS monitoring results under UCMR5 and the new MCL.
- 3
Check the EPA's ECHO database for your utility's monitoring history. Look for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and related compound results.
- 4
Contact your utility directly and ask for their most recent PFAS test results and whether they are implementing treatment under the 2024 MCL.
- 5
If you use a private well near a military base, airport, or industrial facility, order a PFAS panel test from a state-certified laboratory. Tests typically cost $150–$400.
- 6
If PFAS is detected above 4 ppt in your source water, install a certified NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system or an NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filter rated for PFAS removal.
How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water
Reverse Osmosis (Best)
90–99% removal — NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems only
Certified Activated Carbon
Effective with NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification — verify before buying
Boiling concentrates PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and water softeners do not remove PFAS. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.
Take Action Now
Look up your Iowa utility's PFAS monitoring history on the PFAS Watchlist below.
If your utility has detected PFAS above 4 ppt, install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your drinking tap.
Private well owners near military or industrial sites should order a PFAS panel test ($150–$400 at a state-certified lab).
Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report — PFAS results must be disclosed under the new 2024 MCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
PFAS — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with PFAS records
Iowa PFAS Watchlist
Live utility PFAS monitoring data
Iowa State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 90–99% of PFAS
Activated Carbon Filter Guide
NSF/ANSI 53/58 certified options for PFAS
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Another priority contaminant
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
Find Your Utility
State Regulator
Iowa Department of Natural Resources ↗