Missouri Water Quality Report
Tap water quality data for 6 cities in Missouri, updated 2026.
US average: 100 ppm
4 of 6 cities violation-free
6 cities tested
6 water systems tracked
Cleanest Tap Water in Missouri
Cities with the fewest water quality issues
Kansas City
515K served
St. Louis
305K served
Columbia
207K served
Independence
120K served
Lees Summit
111K served
Springfield
212K served
Most Water Quality Issues in Missouri
Cities with the most violations and concerns
Water Hardness Across Missouri
Not sure what your hardness means? Use our Water Hardness Calculator or find the best hardness test kits.
Missouri Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Missouri has 6 tracked water utilities serving approximately 1.5M residents. The average water hardness is 302 ppm (17.7 GPG), classified as Very Hard — above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 196 ppm in Kansas City to 382 ppm in Lees Summit.
In the past 3 years, 2 of 6 cities in Missouri have recorded water quality violations, totaling 20 violations (0 health-based). All 6 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
With very hard water on average, many Missouri residents may notice mineral buildup on fixtures, dry skin, or stiff-feeling hair. A shower filter for hard water can help reduce chlorine exposure, while a water softener addresses the mineral buildup directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Water
Is tap water safe to drink in Missouri?
Most tap water in Missouri meets EPA standards, but 2 cities have recorded violations in the past 3 years (0 health-based). We recommend checking your specific city's report on TapWater.org and considering a home water test.
How hard is the water in Missouri?
Missouri's average water hardness is 302 ppm (17.7 GPG), classified as Very Hard. This is above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.
Which city in Missouri has the cleanest tap water?
Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, Kansas City ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Missouri. It has zero violations in the past 3 years and lead levels well below the EPA action level.
Which city in Missouri has the most water quality issues?
Springfield currently has the most water quality concerns in Missouri, with 12 violations in the past 3 years. Residents should check their city's detailed water quality report and consider using a certified water filter.
Where does Missouri get its water from?
The majority of Missouri's water systems (50%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.
All 6 Cities
Sorted by population served
Kansas City
Utility serves 515K
St. Louis
Utility serves 305K
Springfield
Utility serves 212K
Columbia
Utility serves 207K
Independence
Utility serves 120K
Lees Summit
Utility serves 111K