ZIP Code 50268 Water Quality & Testing Report
What Cheer, IA · Keokuk County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 50268 (What Cheer, IA)?
Yes, tap water in ZIP code 50268 (What Cheer, IA) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by What Cheer Water Supply, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (70/100) with 0 health violations, 2.1 ppb lead, and very hard (236 mg/L / 13.8 GPG) water.
Water Safety Grade
Good — Minor issues on record
Health Violations
0
Total Violations
0
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
0
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 50268
Tap water in ZIP code 50268 (What Cheer, IA) is distributed by What Cheer Water Supply (EPA ID: IA5493016), serving approximately 607 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of B with a composite quality score of 70/100.
Water System
What Cheer Water Supply
EPA ID: IA5493016
Water Source
Ground Water
Population Served
607 residents
County
Keokuk County County, Iowa
Lead Levels in ZIP 50268
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 2.1 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 50268 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 67% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 50268 is Very Hard (236 mg/L / 13.8 GPG). High concentrations of dissolved limestone minerals cause severe mineral buildup, stiff laundry, dry skin, and premature water heater wear.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: What Cheer Water Supply · PWSID: IA5493016
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
What Cheer Water Supply has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Low based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 50268 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Ground Water
This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.
Highest potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 50268
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 50268 served by What Cheer Water Supply can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 50268 Recommendations
Your water quality is good
- ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
- ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from What Cheer Water Supply
- ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
- ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste
Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:
NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter
Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 50268 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 50268?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 50268 (What Cheer, IA)?+
How hard is the tap water in 50268?+
Should I test private well water in 50268?+
What is the lead level in 50268 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 50268?+
Who provides tap water to 50268?+
What water filter should I use in 50268?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 50268 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by What Cheer Water Supply. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →