Water Quality in Cedar Rapids, IA

Cedar Rapids's water has 2 contaminants above health guidelines. Consider using a certified water filter for additional protection.

Utility

CEDAR RAPIDS WATER

People Served

141,420

MCL Violations

0

Last Updated

Jul 30, 2025

Quick Summary

20
Contaminants Tested
2
Above Guidelines
Above EPA Limits
EPA Status
Same as state average

Contaminants Detected

⚠️ Contaminants Above Health Guidelines (2)

What is Chloroform?

Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine and is generally the most abundant THM formed in drinking water

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for chloroform have been developed based on kidney and liver carcinogenicity observed in animal studies, and liver toxicity observed in occupational studies. The EPA classifies chloroform as a probable human carcinogen based on animal evidence, and there is additional epidemiological evidence that may increase the risk of colon and bladder cancer in humans. Results from animal studies also suggest that exposure to chloroform can cause liver, developmental and immune toxicity. Acute exposure to low levels of chloroform will cause nervous system toxicity.

Affected Organs

developmentalkidneysimmune-systemcarcinogensliver

Common Sources

Chlorine disinfection interacting with naturally occurring organic matter in distribution systemsLevels usually higher in surface water than groundwaterReleased into the environment from chemical manufacturing plants, pulp and paper mills, waste incinerators and wastewater treatment plants
Last Tested: Jul 30, 2025

What is Perfluorobutanoic acid?

Part of a class of synthetic compounds known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) widely used to make products more resistant to stains, water, and grease. PFBA is a breakdown product of other PFAS compounds used in food packaging, stain resistant clothing and carpets, and was previously manufactured and used in the manufacturing of photographic film but has since been phased out of production.

Health Effects

As with many PFAS compounds, research into the health effects of PFBA is rapidly evolving. Animal studies have shown associations between elevated PFBA levels and liver and thyroid toxicity, as well as developmental effects.

Affected Organs

thyroiddevelopmentalliver

Common Sources

Like other PFAS chemicals, PFBA is not naturally occurring, so its detection in source water is the result of human activityIncludes wastewater discharge and industrial waste from PFAS manufacturing and processing facilitiesElevated levels may be found near industrial sites where there was known use or disposal of PFBA; it can also result from the breakdown of other PFAS compounds in the environmentPFBA is mobile in water and can contaminate large areas of groundwater; it has been found in surface water, municipal drinking water and private drinking water wells

Certified Filter Standards

View Recommended Filters →
Last Tested: Jul 30, 2025

Understanding the Data

This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against health guidelines (HGL). Contaminants above the health guideline are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.

Recommended Water Filters for Cedar Rapids

Based on Cedar Rapids's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above health guidelines.

Our Pick
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
VRO-3Q VRO-3Q

GHP Group Inc.

VRO-3Q VRO-3Q

(9,525 reviews)
17.06

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

20.3 gpd

Removes 15 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more

View Details
Highly Rated
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
PUN3RO PUN3RO

GHP Group Inc.

PUN3RO PUN3RO

(1 reviews)
26.37

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

23.3 gpd

Removes 15 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more

View Details
Best Value
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
CB-AS[2] CB-AS[2]

Carbon Block Technology

CB-AS[2] CB-AS[2]

(105 reviews)
12.8

NSF Certified:

NSF-53

Capacity

600 gal

Filter Life

2 mo

Flow Rate

1 gpm

Removes 10 contaminants:

Arsenic, Asbestos, Cryptosporidium, Lead, Mercury +5 more

View Details
Highly Rated
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
CMTRO-75[G] CMTRO-75[G]

Solventum Purification Inc.

CMTRO-75[G] CMTRO-75[G]

(3,011 reviews)
17.59

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

23.59 gpd

Removes 15 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more

View Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids's water has 2 contaminants above health guidelines. While the water meets federal legal limits, we recommend using a certified water filter for additional protection, especially for vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.