Is Des Moines tap water safe to drink?
Yes but with caveats
Des Moines's water meets EPA minimum standards but has some concerns. Filtration is recommended for sensitive individuals.
3 Issues Detected in Des Moines
Very Hard Water (10.8 GPG)
Hard water causes scale in pipes and shortens appliance lifespan.
Hardness data for Des MoinesModerate Chlorine Level
Chlorine within EPA limits but may affect taste.
Chlorine info for Des Moines503,015,030,950,310 · Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers
Is Des Moines Water Hard? Full Report (2026)
Water from Des Moines's Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers supply carries notable mineral levels. This 2026 report covers hardness data, safety indicators, and filtration options matched to local conditions.
Water Quality Data
Contaminant Levels
Health Insights
- 1With a hardness of 10.8 GPG, Des Moines residents may notice white scale on faucets. Hard water increases maintenance costs.
- 2Chlorine levels may affect the taste of Des Moines's tap water. A carbon filter improves flavor.
Score
Des Moines tap water is sourced from Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers and treated by Des Moines Water Works. Water hardness is very hard at 10.8 GPG which may cause scale buildup. Overall purity score: 75/100 (Good). Updated for 2026.
MATCHED TO DES MOINES'S WATER DATA
Best Water Filters for Des Moines, IA (2026)
Matched to Very Hard Water (10.8 GPG), Moderate Chlorine in Des Moines.
AFWFilters 5600sxt 48000 Grain Softener
Salt-Based Water Softener
$650-750
Why this fits Des Moines
- Handles Des Moines's hard water (Very Hard Water (10.8 GPG))
- Premium quality at $650-750
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Pitcher Filter
$80-95
Why this fits Des Moines
- Eliminates chlorine taste and odor from Des Moines's water
- NSF/ANSI 42 + NSF/ANSI 53 + NSF/ANSI 401 certified
- Budget-friendly at $80-95
Waterdrop 10UA Under-Sink Filter
Under-Sink Carbon Filter
$40-60
Why this fits Des Moines
- Eliminates chlorine taste and odor from Des Moines's water
- NSF/ANSI 42 certified
- Budget-friendly at $40-60
Waterdrop G3P800 Tankless RO
Tankless Reverse Osmosis
$380-450
Why this fits Des Moines
- Eliminates chlorine taste and odor from Des Moines's water
- NSF/ANSI 58 + NSF 372 certified
- Premium quality at $380-450
As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap may earn from qualifying purchases. Based on latest Des Moines water data.
Know exactly what's in YOUR tap
City data shows averages. Your home may differ.
Test Your Water — $25-30About Des Moines's Water
Hard Water in Des Moines: Impact on Plumbing and Appliances
At 10.8 grains per gallon, Des Moines's water qualifies as very hard. Hard water carries dissolved calcium and magnesium that deposit as limescale inside pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines over time. Scale accumulation reduces appliance efficiency and shortens service life. A salt-based water softener is the most effective solution for whole-home protection. For drinking water only, a reverse osmosis system also reduces mineral content significantly.
Explore Des Moines Water Data
Des Moines Water FAQ
Is Des Moines IA tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Does Des Moines IA use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
How hard is Des Moines IA water and what is the TDS level?
Has PFAS been found in Des Moines IA drinking water?
What is the best water filter for Des Moines?
Nearby Reports
Compare across all 50 US states
Data Sources
- EPA SDWIS
- EWG Tap Water Database
- Des Moines Water Works CCR
- USGS monitoring data
PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.