Is Benton, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 49 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Benton, MO — Water Quality Report
Benton's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,002 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 122 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 49 remain unresolved.
What to know about Benton's water
Benton ranks #501 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Benton 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, Benton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 70 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Benton, MO water safe to drink?
Benton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,002 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Benton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Benton's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Benton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Benton's water system has 122 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 49 remain unresolved. 70 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Scott County has experienced 6 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. Local water sources include Mississippi River At Thebes.
Where does Benton's water come from?
Benton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,002 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River At Thebes (river).
What Benton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Benton'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.
Benton'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Benton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Benton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LEGGETT & PLATT INC CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO63701 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
MANAC TRAILERS USA INC ORAN PLANT ORAN, MO63771 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
PAVESTONE - CAPE GIRARDEAU MO PLANT SCOTT CITY, MO63780 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Benton
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- QUALITY PLATING9.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtScott County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Scott County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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. | 3.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Benton compares by contaminant
Explore where Benton ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Benton's water comes from
Benton'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 1,002 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Benton
Benton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Benton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BENTON PWS | MO4010062 | 885 | GW |
| NEW HAMBURG SOUTH END | MO4031611 | 72 | GW |
| NEW HAMBURG CENTRAL | MO4031614 | 45 | GW |
How Benton compares
Full Missouri rankings →Benton's score of 43/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Benton, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Benton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Scott
Frequently asked questions
Is Benton, MO tap water safe to drink?
Benton's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #501 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Benton's water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 122 violations are on record.
How is Benton'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 Benton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Benton's water come from?
Benton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,002 residents.
What health violations has Benton's water system had?
Benton has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 49 violations remain unresolved.
Is Benton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Benton 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 122 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 Benton's water compare to other cities?
Benton ranks #501 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 2% of state cities) and #14702 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.