Copper in Iowa Drinking Water
Iowa has 5,369 public water systems. 224 have recorded copper violations.
Total Systems
5,369
With Violations
224
EPA MCL
1.3
Population Served
3.1M
Copper in Iowa: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
5,369
Systems with Violations
224
Lead Violations
18
Copper Violations
224
EPA Standard
1.3 mg/L
MCLG (goal): 1.3 mg/L
Systems with Copper Violations in Iowa
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| SIOUX CITY WATER SUPPLY | 86K | 133 |
| ANKENY, CITY OF | 76K | 386 |
| NORTH LIBERTY WATER SUPPLY | 20K | 46 |
| BOONE WATER WORKS | 13K | 258 |
| LEMARS WATER DEPARTMENT | 11K | 142 |
| CARROLL MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY | 10K | 8 |
| HIAWATHA WATER DEPT | 7K | 13 |
| NEVADA WATER SUPPLY | 7K | 212 |
Health Effects of Copper Exposure
Gastrointestinal distress
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea at high levels
Liver and kidney damage
Chronic high exposure can damage organs
Wilson's disease risk
Those with Wilson's disease are especially sensitive
Short-term: gastrointestinal distress. Long-term: liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are more sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there copper in Iowa water?
Iowa has 5,369 public water systems. 224 have recorded copper violations based on EPA SDWIS data. If you are on a private well, your water is not covered by these regulations and should be tested independently.
How can I check my Iowa water for copper?
Search for your water system using the WaterCheck system lookup, or contact your utility and request a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR is published annually and lists all detected contaminants, their levels, and the EPA MCLs. For private wells, contact a state-certified lab for independent testing.
What is the EPA limit for copper?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for copper is 1.3 mg/L. Systems that exceed MCLs are required to notify customers and take corrective action.
Copper at a Glance
Source
Corrosion of household plumbing; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
How to Filter Copper
- +Run cold water 30 seconds to 2 minutes before use
- +NSF/ANSI 53 certified filters can reduce copper
- +Avoid letting water sit in copper pipes overnight