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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 2 cities in Missouri
Across the 2 Missouri water systems we track, the average water quality score is 95/100 — 23 points above the U.S. national average of 72/100. 100% of Missouri cities (2 of 2) score above that national benchmark, and 2 earn a Grade A for clean, low-contaminant tap water.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Missouri water systems are lead (southeast mining belt and older plumbing), nitrates (agricultural runoff) and disinfection byproducts (river-water treatment). See the full breakdown in our Missouri water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Missouri
630,000 residents
1,100,000 residents
Missouri's water quality varies sharply between its surface-water-dependent cities and its groundwater-reliant southern and Ozark regions. The Missouri and Mississippi rivers supply major population centers and bring sediment and agricultural runoff, while lead mining legacy in the southeast and naturally occurring contaminants shape groundwater quality.
Based on our analysis of 2 cities in Missouri, the average water quality score is 95/100. The highest-rated city is St Louis with a score of 95/100, while Kansas City has the most room for improvement at 95/100.
Missouri cities average 95/100, but contaminants can still vary at the tap and from household plumbing. A certified carbon or reverse-osmosis filter removes trace contaminants and improves taste. For lead and PFAS, look for an NSF 53 certified filter or a reverse osmosis system.
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Kansas City and St. Louis draw from the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, requiring extensive treatment for turbidity and organics. The Ozark region relies on springs and karst groundwater that can be vulnerable to rapid contamination, while northern Missouri uses reservoirs and shallow aquifers.
These contaminants have been detected in various Missouri water systems
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulates public drinking water under federal EPA standards and oversees the Old Lead Belt and Viburnum Trend mining areas in the southeast. The state monitors atrazine and nitrate in agricultural watersheds and assists small systems with compliance.
Lead is a particular concern in the historic southeastern mining region and in older urban plumbing. Karst groundwater in the Ozarks can be quickly contaminated by surface bacteria after rain. River-fed cities can see elevated disinfection byproducts and seasonal herbicide spikes in spring.
Missouri residents in older homes or the southeastern lead belt should test for lead and use an NSF 53 certified filter. Ozark well and spring users should test for bacteria, especially after heavy rain. Activated-carbon filtration helps with disinfection byproducts and atrazine; reverse osmosis covers nitrate and lead.
Most Missouri cities have tap water that meets EPA safety standards. With an average score of 95/100 across 2 cities we analyzed, Missouri generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by location, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Missouri include lead (southeast mining belt and older plumbing), nitrates (agricultural runoff), disinfection byproducts (river-water treatment). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. Most Missouri cities have water that meets EPA standards, though some residents prefer additional filtration for taste or extra protection. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Missouri are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Missouri water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Missouri. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Missouri city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, St Louis has the highest water quality score in Missouri at 95/100 (Grade A+). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Missouri page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Missouri are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area