2025 Water Quality Report
Each year, we are proud to share how Cedar Rapids continues delivering safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water to our community. Our award-winning best-tasting tap water remains one of the best values available, even as we work steadily to manage maintenance needs, system upgrades, and long term infrastructure investments. Throughout the year, our crews repair main breaks, maintain hydrants, and coordinate projects that keep water flowing continually to homes and businesses across the city. These efforts are paired with strategic watershed partnerships that help protect source water quality and reduce flood risks through collaboration with farmers, conservation groups, and regional partners.
We are also preparing for the future through major initiatives such as the replacement of aging water meters and the inventory and replacement of lead and galvanized service lines. These projects improve accuracy, transparency, and long term safety while ensuring our system continues meeting evolving federal requirements. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to maintaining a resilient system that safeguards public health, supports economic growth, and delivers high quality water every day.
Each year, we review rates for the services many people rely on every day, including Water, Sewer, Solid Waste, and Recycling. We know costs are increasing in many areas, and we work to keep rates steady and manageable for residents. Several factors influence what people pay. These include routine maintenance, unexpected
repairs, upcoming projects, treatment expenses, and opportunities that support growth and economic development. Compared with other large public water systems in Iowa, our utility rates remain near the middle of the range. Have you ever wondered how it compares to the cost of some of our coveted everyday items?
That’s right! Our residents are only paying, on average, roughly $0.02 per gallon of water ! Water-only Rate Increase from 2025 to 2026 was 5% and is expected to be 6% between 2026 and 2027, which is consistent with the average of the last five years.
Water Maintenance
Maintaining a system in a city over 175 years old requires ongoing work. Here are a few ways we protected the integrity of our operations in 2025:
128
1,686
Under Construction: Prioritizing Projects
Our water system includes pipes that date back more than a century and require a mix of routine work and urgent repairs. Each year, crews respond to roughly 125 main breaks, and 75 valve and hydrant replacements. Breaks happen for a variety of reasons: aging cast iron pipe, shifting soil during freeze–thaw cycles, corrosion from certain soils, and/or sudden changes in water pressure.
When a break occurs, we prioritize repairs based on the size of pipe, the impact of the shut down for repairs, and how many customers are affected. Emergencies are not the only way our underground systems are maintained. Planned upgrades are coordinated with other City projects; roadway and utility work almost always occur in tandem. While some older pipe remains in service, newer ductile iron pipe and corrosion protection methods have strengthened today’s system.
BUILDING BRIDGES:
Our Source Water Partnerships
Without our watershed, clean water and a public water system simply would not exist for many Eastern Iowa residents. We have long recognized building bridges across urban-rural divides is a key ingredient for successful watershed management. This urban-rural partnership approach is the foundation for the City’s watershed program, established over ten years ago to address persistent challenges related to flood prevention, nutrient loading, and source water protection.
The goal of the watershed program is simple: improve water quality and reduce flood risk through partnerships with farmers and conservation groups .
The Utilities Watershed Program has evolved and now leverages over $15 million in state, federal, and partner funding. The program’s watershed partnerships have also thrived, as we are now working with 20+ partners including governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, commodity groups, and agricultural retailers.
We are working to maintain a healthy and resilient Cedar River Watershed; helping safeguard community drinking water supplies into the future and promoting a sustainable approach to agriculture.
lead service lines
New regulations from the EPA were issued in 2024, requiring public water systems to create an inventory of water line materials and work with residents to replace lead or galvanized iron pipes.
In Cedar Rapids, the city owns the portion of the service line that runs from the water main to your curb stop; the homeowner owns the portion of pipe from the curb stop to their meter. We prioritize projects that identify and replace as many service lines as possible.
Since 2024, we have been identifying service line materials through inhouse visits and hydroexcavation, sometimes called potholing: a small, precise opening in the yard to safely expose the service line without damaging a large area.
Upcoming Projects:
SPRING 2026
` Hydroexcavation at the 1800 block of Hamilton Street SW
WINTER 2026
` Hydroexcavation and replacements at approximately 600 addresses east of I-380, north of Wilson Avenue SW, and south of 8th Avenue SW
SUMMER 2027
` Hydroexcavation and replacements at approximately 600 addresses north of E Avenue NW and east of 13th Street NW to Ellis Park
Meter Replacements
The City’s Meter Exchange Project accomplishes two goals: upgrading all customers to networked meter reading devices, and replacing aging water meters to ensure overall system accuracy and efficiency. By moving to these modern units, the City can monitor water usage more quickly and accurately for billing, leak detection, and malfunctions.
WHY ARE WE EXCHANGING METERS?
Meters are typically replaced every 15–20 years. Older meters can inaccurately capture total water consumption. At the time of the device exchange, w e are replacing meters that are 14 years or older to ensure overall consistency.
HOW MANY HOUSEHOLDS STILL NEED THEIR METER EXCHANGED?
We have exchanged over 52,000 devices and still have approximately 5,000 left.
WHEN DO THEY HAVE TO BE EXCHANGED BY?
It is important we complete all installations and meter exchanges by June 30, 2026. Residents and businesses who have not yet scheduled their exchange are asked to set up an appointment at fergusonscheduling.com or 1-888-828-7323 .
What's in Our Water?
The City of Cedar Rapids obtains its drinking water supply from wells constructed in sand and gravel deposits along the Cedar River. Those deposits form an underground, water-bearing layer called an alluvial aquifer. Because of continuous pumping of the City’s wells, most of the water in the aquifer is recharged from the river. The rest of the water is supplied as water percolates up from a deeper bedrock aquifer, or down from the top of the ground. As the wells perform their work, your drinking water benefits from natural filtration through sand in the riverbank. This filtration has proven to be a beneficial pretreatment to water before it reaches the City’s conventional lime-softening facilities.
LEAD INVENTORY
Elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Cedar Rapids Water Division (CRWD) is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, though it cannot control the variety of materials used in home plumbing components
When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking and cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may have it tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791 or by visiting epa.gov/safewater/lead
NITRATES
How does nitrate end up in our water?
Nitrate is a dissolved form of nitrogen found in fertilizers and human and animal waste which can leach into groundwater and other water sources. Nitrates occur naturally in some waters. Over time, nitrates can infiltrate aquifers and contaminate groundwater.
Why is this important?
When present at elevated concentrations, nitrates are harmful to human health and have been linked to different types of cancers and thyroid disease. Nitrate levels tend to be higher in the spring and early summer during periods of rain and agricultural activities. Levels of nitrate in the City’s drinking water have never violated the legal safety limit of 10 ppm, and the City continuously monitors levels to ensure safety. If levels exceed 10 ppm, the City will notify all users of the
potential health risk, particularly for infants less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. If you are caring for an infant, ask for advice from your health care provider.
PFAS
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of increasing interest in drinking water quality. PFAS have been used in a variety of industries around the globe since the 1940s. When present, the chemicals persist in the environment and in the human body, meaning they don’t break down and can accumulate over time. Due to their persistence and wide use over the last several decades, they are now making their way into bodies of water and groundwater sources and becoming a contaminate of concern for the drinking water industry.
While primary human exposure is from several common household items — nonstick surfaces, waterproofing, greaseresistant coatings, stain-resistant coatings, cosmetics, and firefighting foams — we diligently monitor City water for PFAS levels. This ongoing monitoring is being performed by the CRWD. Monitoring includes sampling of the groundwater source wells and the drinking water supply.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is performing research and has set Maximum Contaminant Levels for six (6) PFAS-specific compounds. The CRWD finished water has not had any detections for these compounds in its treated drinking water thus far. The CRWD took part in the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) program’s fifth round of sampling in 2023. The program tested for 29 PFAS compounds; this testing will continue quarterly.
For more information on PFAS, visit CityofCR.com/PFAS or epa.gov/pfas
Have Any Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns about our water quality or this report, we invite you to attend our upcoming public engagement opportunity.
RESIDENT APPRECIATION DAY
Join the City of Cedar Rapids in celebrating our residents! Come chat with our water team to receive a complimentary reusable water bottle and learn more about your drinking water. Water bottles are available on a first come, first served basis.
WHERE: Downtown Farmers’ Market WHEN: Saturday, June 6 , 202 6 TIME: 7:30 AM – Noon
AT-RISK POPULATIONS
It is important to be aware that some people may be more vulnerable than the general population to contaminants in drinking water. Immuno-compromised persons — those undergoing cancer chemo-therapy or organ transplants, some elderly or infants and people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders — can be particularly at risk from infections.
We ask anyone that may be at risk to seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. Guidelines from the EPA and Centers for Disease Control on appropriate steps to lessen the risk of infection by microbial contaminants and/or Cryptosporidium are available from the National Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791
Water Quality Findings
This table summarizes required water quality monitoring results for regulated parameters that were detected in the 2025 calendar year. A comprehensive report
of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards; Runoff from glass and electronics production wastes
Source Water
Source Water Assessment Information: This water supply obtains its water from the sand and gravel of the Alluvial aquifer of the Cedar River. The Alluvial aquifer was determined to be highly susceptible to contamination because the aquifer characteristics and the overlying materials provide little protection from contamination at the land surface. The Alluvial wells will be highly susceptible to surface contaminants such as leaking underground storage tanks, contaminant spills, and excess fertilizer application. A detailed evaluation of the source water supply was completed by the IDNR, and is available by contacting the public water supply at 319-286-5975. Information about work being done to help minimize contamination of the source water supply can be found at CityofCR.com/Watershed
AVG: Average
ND: Not Detected
MRDL: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
NR: Not Regulated
mg/L: Milligrams per liter or parts per million
μg/L: Micrograms per liter or parts per billion
pCi/L: Picocuries per liter
cfu/mL: Colony-forming unit per milliliter
ACRONYMS
MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level
MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
NA: Not Applicable
NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
MRDLG: Maximum Residual Disinfection Level Goal
HLRAA: Highest Locational Running Annual Average
RAA: Running Annual Average
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fluoride concentration, and why is it added?
Fluoride is added during the treatment process to help prevent dental cavities. The optimal concentration is maintained at 0.7 parts per million (ppm) with a range of 0.6-0.9 ppm as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
My toilet tank and inside of my dishwasher are stained dark brown to black. Is my water safe to drink?
The dark staining is likely due to the corrosion-control chemical added during treatment. Its purpose is to lay a protective coating on the insides of pipes so water never comes in contact with the pipe, thereby reducing the risk of dissolving lead or copper into the drinking water. It has been tested extensively and no health or safety concerns have been identified.
My water throughout the entire house tastes and smells musty or stale.
Sometimes in low-use areas or dead-end main areas, the water does not get circulated as it should. Where this is the case, the distribution crew can be notified to flush hydrants in the area to help bring in fresh water.
The water is discolored yellow or cloudy/milky. Does this mean it is unsafe?
Discoloration of water as light brown or yellow is a result of maintenance and flushing activity. Natural sediment gets stirred up and will clear as it settles. Milky, cloudy, or white water, especially if it clears from the bottom up when put in a glass, is an indication that air has gotten into the plumbing and is not harmful. A thorough flush of two or three
An important message from the Environmental Protection Agency:
Drinking water, including bottled water, may be reasonably expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. That’s because as the water we draw from — lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells — travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it picks up naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material. It can also pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting the website at www.epa.gov/ogwdw. Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.
cold water taps at the same time for a few minutes can help release the trapped air. Sediment and discoloration will clear as it has time to settle back out. If the discoloration remains, staff can be notified to flush the water mains in the area.
Why is there slimy pink or orange stuff in my water or on a surface near water?
This is a common occurrence, stemming from an airborne organism that collects on moist surfaces and forms growing colonies, usually around drains, toilets, sink fixtures, pet water dishes, showers, and shower curtains. This substance does not pose any additional health risks, given that it is already found in the air we breathe. The best way to reduce the growth of these organisms is to use cleaners that contain bleach.
Why is my household water filter brown?
Due to the age of the Cedar Rapids water system, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources requires the Cedar Rapids Water Division (CRWD) to have a corrosion control process. This is a chemical addition that prevents the leaching of lead, copper, and other metals from water pipes and fixtures.
Zinc-orthophosphate is continuously added in very low doses to form a protective coating on the inside of pipes, service lines, and household plumbing. This coating keeps lead and copper levels low. However, this process can also turn filters brown and cause filters to last a shorter length of time than advertised. CRWD treats water with a softening process, eliminating the need for water softeners. We also meet or exceed all state and federal regulations, which eliminates many of the reasons to use a home filtration system.
What should I expect if my water is shut off due to a water main break?
Water main breaks are often indicated by a lack of water at the tap or water bubbling to the surface of neighborhood streets. This may prompt a water service disruption to your home or business.
Repair crews attempt to reach all homes, businesses, and apartments prior to shutting off water, except in emergencies. Crews leave a door hanger at the property which explains what to do if water is shut off. It generally takes repair crews 8-12 hours to fix a break and restore water service. If air or particles are coming out of your drinking tap, run water for several minutes to flush the line.
If you receive a precautionary boil advisory notice, follow these steps before consuming tap water: 1) Bring water to a boil, 2) Let water boil rapidly for at least one minute, 3) Allow to completely cool before consuming, 4) Check City website for advisory status updates, or call Water Customer Service at 319-286-5900
If precautionary advisories are in place, bacteria testing will be done. In most cases, it takes two days for a bacterial contamination sample to return. If the sample shows no contamination in the water, another information sheet is issued, indicating an All Clear. Information will be posted to the City's website (CityofCR.com) if a precautionary boil advisory notice is issued.
How much will it cost me to flush my water lines? Running all faucets for 30 minutes costs ~$1 to $2.
2025 WATER REPORT SHOWS 100% COMPLIANCE
The Water division achieved 100% compliance with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ water quality expectations in 2025. This marks the eighth consecutive year the division earned this distinction. Cedar Rapids residents can be proud of the exceptional standards upheld by their Utilities Department every day.
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions or concerns about our water quality or this report, please contact Water Division Customer Service. We are happy to help identify issues and resolve your concerns.
Glossary
Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
Arsenic: The EPA recently lowered the arsenic Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) to 10 ppb. Trace amounts of arsenic are occasionally detected in your drinking water at levels well below this more stringent standard. Arsenic is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems
Coliform: A bacteria originating in the digestive system of mammals. Its presence in water alerts lab technicians that disease-causing agents may be present.
Colony-forming unit: Where a colony of microbes grow on a petri dish, form one single microbe.
Compliance: Following all rules and regulations defined in the Safe Drinking Water Act and maintaining water quality below MCLs.
Contaminant: One of a variety of natural or man-made physical, chemical, biological or radiological substances whose presence in public water systems may cause adverse health effects to consumers.
Detection: The positive identification of the presence of a particular contaminant. Detection of a contaminant does not necessarily represent a serious health risk to consumers if the concentration is below the MCL.
Disinfection: Killing the larger portion of microorganisms in water, with the probability that the disinfecting agent kills all disease-causing bacteria.
Drought: A period of unusually persistent dry weather that persists long enough to cause serious problems such as crop damage and/or water supply shortages.
Filtration: A treatment process that physically removes particles from water as the water passes through a medium.
Groundwater: The supply of fresh water found beneath the earth’s surface, usually in aquifers. Groundwater is often used to supply wells and springs.
Herbicide: A chemical agent used to kill plants, especially weeds. Used widely in agriculture.
Highest Locational Running Annual Average (HLRAA): The average of sample analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location during the previous four calendar quarters.
Immunocompromised: A physical condition in which the human immune system becomes less capable of warding off illness or infection.
319-286-5900
watermail@cedar-rapids.org
Inorganic: Composed of or involving organisms (or their remains or products) that are not living. Examples of inorganic substances include minerals, rocks and salt.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) as feasible, using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
Maximum Residual Disinfection Level (MRDL): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfection Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Microbial: A group of microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa and viruses.
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU): A unit of measure used to determine the clarity of drinking water.
Organic: Of, pertaining to or derived from living organisms. Organic matter contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Examples include humans, plants and animals.
Particulates: Of or relating to minute separate particles.
Pesticides: Any substance or chemical applied to kill or control pests, including weeds, insects, algae, rodents and other undesirable agents.
Radionuclides: Naturally occurring and human-made radionuclides are present throughout the environment. They are found in varying amounts in soil, water, indoor and outdoor air — and even within our bodies — making exposure inevitable. State and Federal regulations establish safe drinking water maximum contaminant levels for a variety of radionuclides. Monitored contaminants include Gross Alpha Radiation, Radium-226, Radium-228, and Combined Radium radionuclides. The existing treatment process does not reduce or remove these contaminants. Except in extreme circumstances, radiation resulting from the ingestion of radionuclides in drinking water is far lower than radiation resulting from other sources of exposure, like radon found in some basements. Radon is a radionuclide classified as an unregulated contaminant. During the aeration treatment stage,
radon can be removed from the water source. Additional information about Radon and aeration is included in this report. The concentration of radionuclides found in our water is well within safe regulatory guidelines.
Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that you can’t see, taste or smell. It is found throughout the United States. Radon is a known human carcinogen. Breathing air containing radon can lead to lung cancer. Drinking water containing radon may also increase the risk of stomach cancer. Radon can build up to high levels in all types of homes. Radon can move up through the ground and into a home through cracks and holes in the foundation. Radon can also be released into indoor air from tap water when showering, washing dishes, and performing other household activities. A radon level less than 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) is considered safe. Between 0.0019 – 0.0070 pCi/L of radon may enter the air from City tap water — far less than radon entering homes through the foundation. Fix your home if the level of radon in your air is 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) or higher. There are simple ways to fix a radon problem that aren’t too costly. If you are concerned about radon in your home, test the air in your home. Testing is inexpensive and easy.
For additional information, call your state radon program (800-838-5992) or the EPA’s Radon Hotline (800-767-7236).
Running Annual Average (RAA): An average of sample analytical results for samples taken during the previous four calendar quarters.
Surface water: All water naturally open to the atmosphere and all springs, wells or other collectors that are directly influenced by surface water. Water located close to the earth’s surface.
Total Organic Carbon (TOC): Amount of carbon found in an organic compound; used as an indicator of water quality.
Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR): Revised compliance rule that aims to increase public health protection through reduction of pathways for contamination; find-fix-document.
Treatment Technique (TT): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Turbidity: Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. Turbidity is a good indicator of treatment filter performance and is regulated as a Treatment Technique. Violation: Exceeding the MCL of a contaminant regulated by the federal government; failure to properly monitor or report regulated contaminants would also be considered a violation.