Is Advance, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72/100
waterverge.com Advance, MO — Water Quality Report
Advance's drinking water received a grade of B- (72 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 7 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Advance's water
Advance ranks #386 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Advance relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Advance may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Advance, MO water safe to drink?
Advance's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Advance
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Advance's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3374). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Advance's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Advance's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stoddard County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Advance's water come from?
Advance's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Advance residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Advance's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Advance's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtStoddard County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Stoddard County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Advance's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 4.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.480 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Advance compares by contaminant
Explore where Advance ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Advance's water comes from
Advance's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,400 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Advance
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADVANCE PWS | MO4010002 | 1,400 | GW |
How Advance compares
Full Missouri rankings →Advance's score of 72/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Advance, MO
Wikipedia →Advance is a town located at the intersection of State Highway 25 and State Highway 91/Route C in northern Stoddard County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,349 at the 2020 census. Advance was founded c. 1882. The town is pronounced ADD-vance.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Advance's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stoddard
Frequently asked questions
Is Advance, MO tap water safe to drink?
Advance's water quality earned a grade of B- (72/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #386 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Advance's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Advance's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Advance?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Advance's water come from?
Advance's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.
What health violations has Advance's water system had?
Advance has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Advance's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Advance uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 7 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Advance's water compare to other cities?
Advance ranks #386 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 24% of state cities) and #10463 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Advance's small water system affect quality?
Advance's system serves approximately 1,400 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 7 violations on record.