Is Big Lake, 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 ↓
86.8/100
waterverge.com Big Lake, MO — Water Quality Report
Big Lake's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 14 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Big Lake's water
Big Lake ranks #181 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Big Lake purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Big Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Big Lake, MO water safe to drink?
Big Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Big Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Big Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4012). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Big Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Big Lake's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Holt County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Tarkio River At Fairfax, Missouri River At Rulo.
Where does Big Lake's water come from?
Big Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tarkio River At Fairfax (river), Missouri River At Rulo (river).
What Big Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Big Lake'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.
Big Lake'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 Big Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Big Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 125 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FOREST CITY FACILITY LLC FOREST CITY, MO64451 | Antimony compounds | 125 | 8.9 mi |
GOLDEN TRIANGLE ENERGY LLC CRAIG, MO64437 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Holt County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Big Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Big Lake ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Big Lake's water comes from
Big Lake purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Big Lake's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Big Lake
Big Lake is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Big Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIG LAKE VILLAGE OF PWS | MO1011182 | 2,000 | GWP |
How Big Lake compares
Full Missouri rankings →Big Lake's score of 86.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Big Lake, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Big Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Holt
Frequently asked questions
Is Big Lake, MO tap water safe to drink?
Big Lake's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #181 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Big Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Big Lake'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 Big Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Big Lake's water come from?
Big Lake's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 residents.
What health violations has Big Lake's water system had?
Big Lake has 5 health-based violations 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Big Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Big Lake 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 14 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 Big Lake's water compare to other cities?
Big Lake ranks #181 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 64% of state cities) and #4458 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Big Lake's small water system affect quality?
Big Lake's system serves approximately 2,000 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 14 violations on record.