Hardest Water in Iowa
13 cities ranked by water hardness. Council Bluffs tops the list at 296 PPM.
Iowa's water hardness varies significantly by city and water source. The state average across our database is 239 PPM, which is very hard. Most Iowa households will benefit from a water softener. 100% of cities we track in Iowa have hardness above 120 PPM.
Council Bluffs has the hardest water at 296 PPM (17.3 GPG). At this level, expect visible scale on faucets, reduced water heater efficiency, and higher soap usage. A salt-based water softener typically pays for itself within 12-18 months in energy and consumable savings.
| # | City | PPM | GPG | Level | Softener? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Council Bluffs | 296 | 17.3 | Extremely Hard | Yes |
| 2 | Dubuque | 295 | 17.3 | Extremely Hard | Yes |
| 3 | Cedar Rapids | 284 | 16.6 | Extremely Hard | Yes |
| 4 | Marion | 280 | 16.4 | Extremely Hard | Yes |
| 5 | Waterloo | 254 | 14.9 | Extremely Hard | Yes |
| 6 | Sioux City | 245 | 14.3 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 7 | Bettendorf | 240 | 14 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 8 | Davenport | 236 | 13.8 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 9 | Ankeny | 205 | 12 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 10 | Des Moines | 200 | 11.7 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 11 | West Des Moines | 195 | 11.4 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 12 | Iowa City | 190 | 11.1 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 13 | Ames | 183 | 10.7 | Very Hard | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average water hardness in Iowa?
Across 13 cities in our database, the average water hardness in Iowa is 239 PPM (14.0 GPG). This ranges from 183 PPM in Ames to 296 PPM in Council Bluffs.
Do I need a water softener in Iowa?
It depends on your city. 100% of Iowa cities in our database (13 of 13) have hardness above 120 PPM where a softener provides measurable benefit. Check your specific city above.
Which Iowa city has the softest water?
Ames has the softest water in Iowa at 183 PPM (10.7 GPG). No water softener is needed at this level.
What causes hard water in Iowa?
Hard water in Iowa is caused by dissolved calcium and magnesium from the local geology. Limestone and dolomite bedrock are the primary sources, dissolving minerals into groundwater and surface water as it flows through the rock.