What contaminants are in Des Moines's water?

Des Moines's water utility tests for 97 different contaminants. Currently, 2 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 Des Moines?

Yes, we recommend using a water filter in Des Moines. With 2 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 Des Moines have any water quality violations?

DES MOINES WATER WORKS 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 Des Moines's water hard or soft?

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

What are the main contaminants in Des Moines tap water?

The main contaminants of concern in Des Moines's tap water include Bromodichloromethane, Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA). 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 Des Moines?

While you can technically drink tap water in Des Moines as it meets legal requirements, 2 contaminants are above EPA health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter for optimal protection, especially for vulnerable individuals.

How often is Des Moines's water tested?

DES MOINES WATER WORKS 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 Des Moines's tap water come from?

Des Moines's drinking water comes from surface water. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which require more extensive treatment to remove sediments and potential contaminants. The utility treats this water using conventional, filtration, softening before distribution.

What is the overall water quality in Des Moines?

Des Moines has 2 contaminants above EPA health guidelines (MCLGs) out of 97+ 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 Des Moines water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Des Moines water include: Bromodichloromethane, Carbon, Alkalinity (as CaCO3), Sodium, Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA). Of these, 2 exceed EPA health guidelines. These contaminants are regularly monitored by DES MOINES WATER WORKS and reported to the EPA. View the detailed contaminant section above for specific levels and health information.

Des Moines Tap Water Quality Report

Des Moines's water has 2 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. Consider using a certified water filter for additional protection.

Utility

DES MOINES WATER

People Served

245,123

MCL Violations

Last Updated

2025-10-09

Is Des Moines Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Des Moines's water has 2 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines (MCLGs). 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.

The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 245,123 people in the Des Moines area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated 2025-10-09.

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Des Moines Water Service Areas

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Recommended Water Filters for Des Moines

Based on Des Moines'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

Test Your Water Quality

Professional laboratory testing provides accurate, detailed analysis of your drinking water.

RECOMMENDED

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

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

Tap Score

Haloacetic Acids (HAA9) Test

$275

Tests for disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water treatment.

7-10 days

9+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 9 HAA compounds

Identifies chlorination byproducts

Important for chlorinated water

Order Test Kit

EPA-Certified Labs

7-10 Day Results

Easy Mail-In Collection

Browse All Test Kits

Frequently Asked Questions About Des Moines Tap Water

Des Moines's water has 2 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. 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.

Des Moines Tap Water Quality Report

Is Des Moines Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Des Moines Water Service Areas

Recommended Water Filters for Des Moines

ZeroWater

N/A

W11256135

Browse All Water Filter Types

Test Your Water Quality

Standard Home Water Test

Advanced Home Water Test

Haloacetic Acids (HAA9) Test

Frequently Asked Questions About Des Moines Tap Water

Is Des Moines tap water safe to drink?

What contaminants are in Des Moines's water?

Do I need a water filter in Des Moines?

Does Des Moines have any water quality violations?

Is Des Moines's water hard or soft?

What are the main contaminants in Des Moines tap water?

Can you drink tap water in Des Moines?

How often is Des Moines's water tested?

Where does Des Moines's tap water come from?

What is the overall water quality in Des Moines?

What are the most common contaminants detected in Des Moines water?

Stay Informed About Your Water Quality