What contaminants are in Ames's water?

Ames's water utility tests for 111 different contaminants. Currently, 4 contaminants are above EPA MCLGs. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including test results, health effects, and comparisons to EPA MCLGs in the sections above.

Do I need a water filter in Ames?

Yes, we recommend using a water filter in Ames. With 4 contaminants above EPA MCLGs, a certified water filter can reduce your exposure to these substances. Look for filters certified for NSF-53 (health effects) or NSF-58 (reverse osmosis) that specifically remove the contaminants found in your water.

Does Ames have any water quality violations?

AMES WATER TREATMENT PLANT currently has no reported Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations, meaning the water meets all federal legal limits. However, health-based guidelines are often more protective than legal limits, which is why we compare test results to EPA MCLG Levels on this page.

Is Ames's water hard or soft?

Ames's water has 150 PPM average hardness. Soft water is generally easier on plumbing and appliances, and requires less soap for cleaning.

What are the main contaminants in Ames tap water?

The main contaminants of concern in Ames's tap water include Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA), Perfluorooctanoic acid, Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. These substances were found above EPA health-based guidelines. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including health effects and recommended filters, in the contaminants section above.

Can you drink tap water in Ames?

While you can technically drink tap water in Ames as it meets legal requirements, 4 contaminants are above EPA health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter for optimal protection, especially for vulnerable individuals.

How often is Ames's water tested?

AMES WATER TREATMENT PLANT is required by federal law to test water quality regularly. The frequency depends on the contaminant - some are tested daily (like bacteria), while others are tested monthly, quarterly, or annually. The test results shown on this page are from the most recent testing period reported to the EPA.

Where does Ames's tap water come from?

Ames's drinking water comes from groundwater. Groundwater sources like wells and aquifers often have natural filtration through soil and rock layers. The utility treats this water using softening before distribution.

What is the overall water quality in Ames?

Ames has 4 contaminants above EPA health guidelines (MCLGs) out of 111+ tested. While meeting federal legal limits (MCLs), the presence of contaminants above health-based guidelines suggests that using a certified water filter could provide additional protection, especially for sensitive populations.

What are the most common contaminants detected in Ames water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Ames water include: Hardness (Total), Sodium, Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA), Potassium, Magnesium. Of these, 4 exceed EPA health guidelines. These contaminants are regularly monitored by AMES WATER TREATMENT PLANT and reported to the EPA. View the detailed contaminant section above for specific levels and health information.

Ames Tap Water Quality Report

Ames's water has 4 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.

Utilities

2 Utilities

People Served

91,999

MCL Violations

Last Updated

2025-10-15

Is Ames Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Ames's water has 4 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Ames's water.

The data below shows test results from 2 water utilities serving 91,999 people in the Ames area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated 2025-10-15.

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Ames Water Service Areas

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Recommended Water Filters for Ames

Based on Ames's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.

Our Pick

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST BUDGET

Culligan

ZeroWater

24.99

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

NSF-401

NSF-372

Flow Rate

1.9 gpm

Daily Production

1 gpd

Removes 19 contaminants:

Nitrate, Copper, Zinc, Barium, Sulfate +14 more

View Details

Best Value

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST BUDGET

Santevia

19.99

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

Flow Rate

0.36 gpm

Removes 1 contaminants:

Chlorine

View Details

Highly Rated

Waterdrop

N/A

(65 reviews)

39.99

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

Flow Rate

1 gpm

Removes 5 contaminants:

Various, Chlorine, Heavy metals, Fluoride, Bacteria

View Details

Highly Rated

BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Whirlpool Corporation

W11256135

(40,578 reviews)

NSF Certified:

NSF-401

NSF-42

NSF-53

Capacity

1001 gal

Filter Life

3 mo

Flow Rate

0.7 gpm

Removes 19 contaminants:

1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos, Atrazine +14 more

View Details

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

With 4 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.

RECOMMENDED

SimpleLab

Advanced Home Water Test

$369

Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.

(19 reviews)

7-10 days

300+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 300+ parameters

Most thorough analysis available

EPA-certified laboratory

Order Test Kit

SimpleLab

Standard Home Water Test

$232

Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.

(209 reviews)

7-10 days

200+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 200+ contaminants

EPA-certified laboratory

Easy mail-in sample collection

Order Test Kit

Tap Score

PFAS Forever Chemicals Test

$239

Specialized test for PFOA, PFOS, and 24 other forever chemicals. Essential for areas near military bases, airports, or industrial sites.

(24 reviews)

7-10 days

26+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests for 26 PFAS compounds

Detects down to EPA's 4 ppt limit

Critical for high-risk areas

Order Test Kit

EPA-Certified Labs

7-10 Day Results

Easy Mail-In Collection

Browse All Test Kits

Frequently Asked Questions About Ames Tap Water

Ames's water has 4 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Ames's water.

Ames Tap Water Quality Report

Is Ames Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Ames Water Service Areas

Recommended Water Filters for Ames

ZeroWater

N/A

W11256135

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

Advanced Home Water Test

Standard Home Water Test

PFAS Forever Chemicals Test

Frequently Asked Questions About Ames Tap Water

Is Ames tap water safe to drink?

What contaminants are in Ames's water?

Do I need a water filter in Ames?

Does Ames have any water quality violations?

Is Ames's water hard or soft?

What are the main contaminants in Ames tap water?

Can you drink tap water in Ames?

How often is Ames's water tested?

Where does Ames's tap water come from?

What is the overall water quality in Ames?

What are the most common contaminants detected in Ames water?

Stay Informed About Your Water Quality