Burlington Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Burlington Municipal Waterworks supplies drinking water to the city of Burlington in Des Moines County, Iowa, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The utility blends two sources: approximately 80% surface water from the Mississippi River, treated at the municipal water treatment plant, and 20% groundwater from three wells tapping the Pleistocene aquifer. The service area covers the city and surrounding areas along the Mississippi riverfront. Treatment includes filtration, disinfection, and fluoridation up to the 4 ppm regulatory standard.

The primary watershed is the Mississippi River basin, with Paleozoic limestone and dolomite of Devonian to Ordovician age dissolving calcium and magnesium into the river, yielding a hard supply. The supplemental Pleistocene aquifer involves Quaternary glacial deposits of sand and gravel over karst bedrock, which further imparts mineralization to the groundwater component. This dual geology shapes a characteristically hard water chemistry influenced by limestone dissolution and glacial mineral leaching.

Hard water in Burlington causes moderate to significant scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Faucets and fixtures may develop limescale rings, and laundry can feel stiff without softeners. Regular deliming of appliances every one to two years is advised; a water softener is recommended to prevent spotting on glassware, extend appliance life, and improve soap efficiency. The utility meets Safe Drinking Water Act standards; the Mississippi source is treated to address mercury, bacteria, sediment, PCBs, and nutrients from upstream runoff, and groundwater wells are monitored for industrial contaminants.