Is Birch Tree, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.4/100
waterverge.com Birch Tree, MO — Water Quality Report
Birch Tree's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 679 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Birch Tree's water
Birch Tree ranks #107 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Birch Tree 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, Birch Tree may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Birch Tree, MO water safe to drink?
Birch Tree's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 679 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Birch Tree
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Birch Tree's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.4/100).
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Birch Tree's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Birch Tree's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Shannon County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Birch Tree's water come from?
Birch Tree's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 679 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Birch Tree residents can do
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.
Birch Tree'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 Birch Tree
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Birch Tree, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROYAL OAK ENTERPRISES-MTVIEW MOUNTAIN VIEW, MO65548 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtShannon 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
Shannon County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Birch Tree compares by contaminant
Explore where Birch Tree ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Birch Tree's water comes from
Birch Tree'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 679 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Birch Tree
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIRCH TREE PWS | MO4010072 | 679 | GW |
How Birch Tree compares
Full Missouri rankings →Birch Tree's score of 89.4/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Birch Tree, MO
Wikipedia →Birch Tree is a city in southwest Shannon County, Missouri, United States. The population was 541 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Birch Tree's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shannon
Frequently asked questions
Is Birch Tree, MO tap water safe to drink?
Birch Tree's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #107 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Birch Tree's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Birch Tree'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 Birch Tree?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Birch Tree's water come from?
Birch Tree's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 679 residents.
What health violations has Birch Tree's water system had?
Birch Tree has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2003. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Birch Tree's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Birch Tree 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 5 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 Birch Tree's water compare to other cities?
Birch Tree ranks #107 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 79% of state cities) and #2861 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Birch Tree's small water system affect quality?
Birch Tree's system serves approximately 679 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 5 violations on record.