Is Appleton City, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82/100
waterverge.com Appleton City, MO — Water Quality Report
Appleton City's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,518 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 47 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Appleton City's water
Appleton City ranks #296 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Appleton City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Appleton City, MO water safe to drink?
Appleton City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,518 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Appleton City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Appleton City's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment 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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Appleton City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Appleton City's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
St. Clair County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Osage River Above Schell City.
Where does Appleton City's water come from?
Appleton City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,518 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Osage River Above Schell City (river).
What Appleton City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Appleton City'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.
Appleton City'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
Flood & disaster history
St. Clair County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Appleton City compares by contaminant
Explore where Appleton City ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Appleton City's water comes from
Appleton City's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,518 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Appleton City
Appleton City is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Appleton City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| APPLETON CITY PWS | MO5010020 | 1,518 | SWP |
How Appleton City compares
Full Missouri rankings →Appleton City's score of 82/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Appleton City, MO
Wikipedia →Appleton City is a city in St. Clair County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,032 as of the 2020 census. It is the most populous city in St. Clair County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Appleton City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Clair
Frequently asked questions
Is Appleton City, MO tap water safe to drink?
Appleton City's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #296 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Appleton City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Appleton City'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 Appleton City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Appleton City's water come from?
Appleton City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,518 residents.
What health violations has Appleton City's water system had?
Appleton City has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Appleton City's water compare to other cities?
Appleton City ranks #296 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 42% of state cities) and #7223 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Appleton City's small water system affect quality?
Appleton City's system serves approximately 1,518 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 47 violations on record.