Is Arcadia, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.6/100
waterverge.com Arcadia, MO — Water Quality Report
Arcadia's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 605 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 8 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Arcadia's water
Arcadia ranks #213 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Arcadia 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, Arcadia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Arcadia, MO water safe to drink?
Arcadia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 605 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Arcadia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Arcadia's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.6/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Arcadia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Arcadia's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Iron County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 St. Francis River Near Roselle.
Where does Arcadia's water come from?
Arcadia's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 605 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include St. Francis River Near Roselle (river).
What Arcadia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Arcadia'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.
Arcadia'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
D1 — moderate droughtIron County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Iron County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Arcadia compares by contaminant
Explore where Arcadia ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Arcadia's water comes from
Arcadia'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 605 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Arcadia
Arcadia is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Arcadia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARCADIA PWS | MO4010023 | 605 | GW |
How Arcadia compares
Full Missouri rankings →Arcadia's score of 85.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Arcadia, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Arcadia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iron
Frequently asked questions
Is Arcadia, MO tap water safe to drink?
Arcadia's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #213 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Arcadia's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Arcadia'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 Arcadia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Arcadia's water come from?
Arcadia's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 605 residents.
What health violations has Arcadia's water system had?
Arcadia has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Arcadia's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Arcadia 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 8 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 Arcadia's water compare to other cities?
Arcadia ranks #213 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 58% of state cities) and #5245 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Arcadia's small water system affect quality?
Arcadia's system serves approximately 605 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 8 violations on record.