Is Des Moines Tap Water Safe? Nitrate Levels Explained
If you live in Des Moines, you’ve likely noticed nitrate contamination making headlines again. It’s not just another seasonal scare; it’s an ongoing challenge shaped by farm runoff, heavy rains, and aging infrastructure. That leaves many families asking the same question: is my tap water safe to drink right now?
What Are Nitrates and Where Do They Come From?
Nitrates are compounds most often tied to fertilizers. When rain falls on farmland, those chemicals don’t just disappear into the soil, they wash into rivers and streams. In Iowa, where agriculture dominates the landscape, nitrate runoff is practically built into the cycle of spring planting and summer storms.
The Des Moines Water Works has been battling this problem for decades, but spikes still happen. Each storm pushes nitrate-rich water into the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers, which supply the city. Even though the treatment plant works hard to lower levels, the source water often starts off far above what’s considered safe.
Why High Nitrate Levels Are a Concern
Unlike iron or chlorine, nitrates can’t be detected by taste, smell, or sight. That invisibility is what makes them risky.
For infants, exposure to high nitrate water has been linked to “blue baby syndrome,” a condition where blood can’t carry enough oxygen. Pregnant women are also at risk, and for adults, long-term exposure has been tied to possible cancer and thyroid issues.
Des Moines has even become a national case study, often cited in conversations about the impact of agriculture on Midwest drinking water. For local families, nitrate concerns aren’t just about numbers on a chart; they’re part of a larger conversation about Des Moines water contamination and how it affects daily life.
Recent Nitrate Advisories in Des Moines
Each spring, Des Moines Water Works reports rising nitrate levels. Advisories are issued when concentrations push toward the federal safety limit of 10 milligrams per liter.
These warnings don’t mean the water is unsafe every day, but they do show how quickly conditions can change. On some days, the treatment plant keeps up; on others, safety margins shrink fast.
Is Des Moines Tap Water Safe Right Now?
Most days, yes. By the time the water leaves the treatment facility, it typically meets federal standards. But “meets standards” isn’t always the same as “free of risk.” For families with infants or expecting mothers, “usually safe” may not feel like enough.
How Des Moines Families Can Protect Their Water
The best way to stop worrying is to take control at home. Culligan of Des Moines doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach, we match solutions to your home’s specific water needs. That way, you’re not guessing, you’re covered.
Reverse Osmosis Systems: Installed under your sink, RO systems force water through a fine membrane that blocks nitrates and other contaminants at the molecular level. The result? Clean, fresh water right at the tap for drinking, cooking, and mixing baby formula.
Whole-Home Filtration: For families who want every faucet protected, a whole-home system treats water as it enters the house. That means your showers, laundry, and bathroom sinks get the same protection as your kitchen. You get consistency and peace of mind across the board.
Regular Water Testing: Nitrate levels change quickly after storms or heavy runoff. Ongoing testing keeps you a step ahead, so you always know what’s in your water and whether new treatment is needed.
Bottom Line
Nitrates aren’t going away in Iowa. They’re part of life in a region where farmland and water supplies are closely connected. But your family’s health shouldn’t be left to chance.
Schedule your free water test with Culligan of Des Moines today because peace of mind should start at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nitrates are chemical compounds made of nitrogen and oxygen. They’re often used in fertilizer to help crops grow, but when rain or irrigation water washes over farmland, those nitrates can end up in rivers and eventually in the water supply. In Des Moines, this is one of the leading sources of water contamination.
The primary cause is agricultural runoff from surrounding farmland. During heavy rains or spring planting season, nitrates flow into the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers, which supply local drinking water.
No. Des Moines Water Works works hard to treat and lower nitrate levels, and most of the time they remain within federal limits. The challenge is that spikes can happen quickly, especially after storms, which is why advisories are sometimes issued.
Boiling doesn’t remove nitrates—in fact, it can make the problem worse. As water evaporates, the concentration of nitrates in the remaining water actually increases. Effective treatment requires technologies like reverse osmosis.
Infants under six months, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions face the greatest risks. High nitrates can interfere with oxygen in the blood, leading to medical complications
Many families choose reverse osmosis systems to remove nitrates at the tap. Whole-home filtration is another option if you want every faucet protected. And regular water testing is key—knowing what’s in your water helps you stay ahead of the next advisory.
