ZIP Code 52403 Water Quality & Testing Report
Cedar Rapids, IA · Linn County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 52403 (Cedar Rapids, IA)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 52403 (Cedar Rapids, IA) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (55/100) due to 2 health violation(s) and 1.6 ppb lead. While treated by Cedar Rapids Water Department, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Fair — Some compliance concerns
Health Violations
2
Total Violations
77
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
2
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 29 unresolved violations. Contact Cedar Rapids Water Department for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 52403
Tap water in ZIP code 52403 (Cedar Rapids, IA) is distributed by Cedar Rapids Water Department (EPA ID: IA5715093), serving approximately 141,831 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of C with a composite quality score of 55/100.
Water System
Cedar Rapids Water Department
EPA ID: IA5715093
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
141,831 residents
County
Linn County County, Iowa
Lead Levels in ZIP 52403
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 1.6 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 52403 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 57% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
From annual CCR filing
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 52403 is Very Hard (191 mg/L / 11.2 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: Cedar Rapids Water Department · PWSID: IA5715093
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
Cedar Rapids Water Department has recorded 2 health-based violations out of 77 total violations over the past 5 years. 29 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
EPA records identify 2 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Copper, Chlorine residual.
⚖ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Surface Water
This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.
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 52403
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 52403 served by Cedar Rapids Water Department 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 52403 Recommendations
Some compliance concerns — take precautions
- ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
- ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
- ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
- ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
Recommended Water Treatment Systems:
NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter
Specifically certified to reduce lead and copper at the tap.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Advanced filtration for PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, and organic chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 52403 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 52403?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 52403 (Cedar Rapids, IA)?+
How hard is the tap water in 52403?+
Should I test private well water in 52403?+
What is the lead level in 52403 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 52403?+
Who provides tap water to 52403?+
What water filter should I use in 52403?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 52403 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 Cedar Rapids Water Department. 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 →