WaterVerge

Is Ash Grove, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MO5010032
Overall Score
84.2 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#250 of 509 in Missouri Top 39% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
84.2/100
waterverge.com
B+ 84.2/100

Ash Grove, MO — Water Quality Report

Ash Grove's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,472 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 4.4 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 51 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Ash Grove's water

Ash Grove ranks #250 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Ash Grove 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, Ash Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
84.2 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36.2/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 4.4 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Ash Grove, MO water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Ash Grove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,472 residents using groundwater (wells).

4
Active Violations
4.4 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Ash Grove

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ash Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

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 Ash Grove's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 4.4 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Ash Grove's water system has 51 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Feb 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Feb 2023 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Nov 2019 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2019 Nitrate-Nitrite Resolved
Oct 2018 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Greene County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Sac River Near Dadeville.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4317
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4250
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-3374

Where does Ash Grove's water come from?

Ash Grove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,472 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sac River Near Dadeville (river).

What Ash Grove residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ash Grove's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Ash Grove'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
4.4 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 29% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

51
Total violations
7
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Feb 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

51 Total
4 Active
7 Health-based
47 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Inorganic Chemicals
10
Total Coliform Rule
9
Revised Total Coliform Rule
3
Lead and Copper Rule
3
Oct 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2010 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Feb 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2025
Feb 2023 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2023
Nov 2019 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Nov 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
Nitrate-Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Showing 20 of 51 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Jun 2017
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Greene County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jun 2017
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4317
Jan 2016
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4250
Jan 2016
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3374
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3232
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #995
May 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #867

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 4.4 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 4.4 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2023 (4.4 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,472
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Ash Grove's water comes from

Groundwater

Ash Grove'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 1,472 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Ash Grove

Ash Grove is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Sac River Near Dadeville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Ash Grove

System Name PWSID Population Source
ASH GROVE PWS MO5010032 1,472 GW
Regional Comparison

How Ash Grove compares

Full Missouri rankings →

Ash Grove's score of 84.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Ash Grove (this city)
84.2
St. Louis
40.9
Columbia
61.4
Missouri avg
62
City Profile

About Ash Grove, MO

Economic Profile
$50,417
Median Income
$130,204
Median Home Value
$682/mo
Median Rent
4.2%
Unemployment
Community
37.8
Median Age
470
People / sq mi
22.7%
College Educated
62.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Ash Grove, MO tap water safe to drink?

Ash Grove's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #250 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.

What contaminants are in Ash Grove's water?

Lead was measured at 4.4 ppb (90th percentile). 51 violations are on record.

How is Ash Grove'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 Ash Grove?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Ash Grove's water come from?

Ash Grove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,472 residents.

What health violations has Ash Grove's water system had?

Ash Grove has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.

Is Ash Grove's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Ash Grove 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 51 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 Ash Grove's water compare to other cities?

Ash Grove ranks #250 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 51% of state cities) and #6053 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Ash Grove's small water system affect quality?

Ash Grove's system serves approximately 1,472 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 51 violations on record.