Tap Water Results

Is Marshalltown, IA tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Marshalltown Water Works.

3 public water systems serve parts of Marshalltown. The largest, Marshalltown Water Works, serves 27,680 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Marshalltown Water Works

27,680 people · Groundwater · EPA ID IA6469042

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 2 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2025, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Across Iowa, 1 of 151 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 4 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Iowa results.

Marshalltown homes and lead pipes

78%
of homes built before 1980 (Iowa 62%, US 50%)
36%
built before 1950 (Iowa 28%)
31%
of households rent (Iowa 28%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Marshalltown city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Marshalltown

  • Sunset Village Water System
    528 people · Purchased groundwater · Iowa · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
  • Marshalltown Estates Water System
    382 people · Groundwater · Iowa · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Ames 37 mi
Ames Water Treatment Plant
Ames Water Treatment PlantNone above limits0 ppb
Cedar Falls 41 mi
Cedar Falls Municipal Water Utilities
Cedar Falls Municipal Water UtilitiesNone above limits1.4 ppb
Ankeny 41 mi
City of Ankeny
City of AnkenyNone above limits0 ppb
Waterloo 42 mi
Waterloo Water Works
Waterloo Water WorksNone above limits1.8 ppb
Johnston 48 mi
Johnston Municipal Water Supply
Johnston Municipal Water SupplyNone above limits0 ppb
Des Moines 48 mi
Des Moines Water Works
Des Moines Water WorksNone above limits0 ppb
Marshalltown ZIP codes (1)
  • 50158

Questions

Is Marshalltown tap water safe to drink?

Marshalltown Water Works has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Marshalltown, IA?

3 public water systems serve parts of Marshalltown. The largest is Marshalltown Water Works (27,680 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Marshalltown tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Marshalltown Water Works had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Marshalltown homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 78% of Marshalltown homes as built before 1980 (Iowa: 62%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Marshalltown Water Works's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.