ZIP Code 52649 Water Quality & Testing Report
Salem, IA · Henry County County · Updated for 2026
Compiled & verified by Sahajul Haque from official EPA SDWIS recordsIs Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 52649 (Salem, IA)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 52649 (Salem, IA) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (62/100) due to 0 health violation(s) and 0.5 ppb lead. While treated by Rathbun Reg Water Assn (ft Madison), 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
0
Total Violations
2
Lead Risk
Moderate
Contaminants
0
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 2 unresolved violations. Contact Rathbun Reg Water Assn (ft Madison) for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 52649
Tap water in ZIP code 52649 (Salem, IA) is distributed by Rathbun Reg Water Assn (ft Madison) (EPA ID: IA0400901), serving approximately 11,840 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 62/100.
Water System
Rathbun Reg Water Assn (ft Madison)
EPA ID: IA0400901
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
11,840 residents
County
Henry County County, Iowa
Lead Levels in ZIP 52649
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 0.5 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 52649 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 41% 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 52649 is Very Hard (197 mg/L / 11.5 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: Rathbun Reg Water Assn (ft Madison) · PWSID: IA0400901
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
Rathbun Reg Water Assn (ft Madison) has recorded 2 violations, but none are health-based (e.g., administrative or monitoring infractions). 2 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated High 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 52649 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
⚖ 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
% 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 52649
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 52649 served by Rathbun Reg Water Assn (ft Madison) 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 52649 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 52649 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 52649?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 52649 (Salem, IA)?+
How hard is the tap water in 52649?+
Should I test private well water in 52649?+
What is the lead level in 52649 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 52649?+
Who provides tap water to 52649?+
What water filter should I use in 52649?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 52649 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 Rathbun Reg Water Assn (ft Madison). 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 →