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Water Hardness in Iowa City, IA

Iowa · 4 zip codes · 21 matched water systems

180 PPM
10.5 GPG
Hard
0Soft60120180300+
Verified — Annual Water Quality Report

City avg (weighted): 180 PPM

Dataset updated March 9, 202621 matched water systems in the city rollupIndividual systems and ZIPs can differ. Methodology

System used for this reading
Iowa City Water Department
IA5225079
Water source: surface water
Serves: 68,753
USGS environmental estimate: 438 PPM
Source context

How this city reading is built

This city reading is a weighted rollup across 21 matched water systems and 4 ZIP codes. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but individual utility zones and ZIPs can differ.

Source basis
21 verified treated-water sources
21 matched systems total for this city; treated-water reports are prioritized when available.
Water source profile
Primarily surface water
Surface-water hardness can shift with reservoirs, runoff, season, and treatment. This profile is weighted by known population served across matched systems.
Data recency
March 9, 2026
Dataset rebuilt March 9, 2026; individual utility reporting years can vary.

Hardness is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Use it for scale, appliance, and softener decisions; check your utility report or test your tap before sizing treatment equipment. See how we calculate local readings.

Water Systems in Iowa City

These systems are matched to Iowa City, IA. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but the system serving a specific address may differ from the city average.

21 water systems
PWSID is the public water system identifier. Data Source shows whether the hardness value comes from a treated-water report, USGS monitoring, or a local estimate; source year is shown when available.
Iowa City Water Department
IA5225079
Hard
180 PPMsurface water68,753 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report
Source water: 438 PPM
University Water System
IA5225101
Hard
180 PPMsurface water26,684 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report
Source water: 438 PPM
Coralville Muni Water System
IA5208071
Hard
180 PPMgroundwater22,318 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report
Source water: 438 PPM
North Liberty Water Supply
IA5252072
Hard
180 PPMgroundwater20,491 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report
Source water: 355 PPM
Lake Ridge, Incorporated
IA5225315
Hard
180 PPMgroundwater1,300 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report
Source water: 508 PPM
Showing the first 5 systems. Expand to review all matched systems.

Zip Codes in Iowa City, IA

What This Means For You

Recommendations are based on the displayed hardness reading. Confirm your tap reading before sizing or buying treatment equipment.

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If you've tested your water or have your utility's CCR report, share your reading to help us improve accuracy for Iowa City, IA.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the water in Iowa City, IA?

The citywide weighted average water hardness in Iowa City, IA is 180 PPM (10.5 GPG), classified as hard. This is based on 21 matched water systems.

Do I need a water softener in Iowa City, IA?

With a citywide average hardness of 180 PPM, a water softener is recommended for homes in Iowa City. Confirm your tap reading before sizing equipment.

Is hard water in Iowa City, IA safe to drink?

Water hardness itself is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Calcium and magnesium are naturally occurring minerals, but you should check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for contaminant and compliance information.

How many water systems serve Iowa City, IA?

Iowa City, Iowa is served by 21 matched water systems across 4 zip codes.

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