Is Bismarck, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.3/100
waterverge.com Bismarck, MO — Water Quality Report
Bismarck's drinking water received a grade of A (93.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,470 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 8 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Bismarck's water
Bismarck ranks #29 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Bismarck 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, Bismarck may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bismarck, MO water safe to drink?
Bismarck's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,470 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bismarck
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bismarck's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bismarck's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bismarck's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Where does Bismarck's water come from?
Bismarck's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,470 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big River At Irondale (river), Big River Below Desloge (river).
What Bismarck 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.
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 Bismarck
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bismarck, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LEAD BELT MATERIALS CO INC PARK HILLS, MO63601 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
MISSISSIPPI LIME CO LLC DBA MLC BONNE TERRE, MO63628 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bismarck
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.
- BIG RIVER MINE TAILINGS ST JOE MINERALS CORP8.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bismarck compares by contaminant
Explore where Bismarck ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bismarck's water comes from
Bismarck'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 1,470 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bismarck
Bismarck is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bismarck
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BISMARCK PWS | MO4010073 | 1,470 | GW |
How Bismarck compares
Full Missouri rankings →Bismarck's score of 93.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Bismarck, MO
Wikipedia →Bismarck is a city in St. Francois County, Missouri, United States. As of the 2020 census, Bismarck had a population of 1,239.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bismarck's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Francois
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck, MO tap water safe to drink?
Bismarck's water quality earned a grade of A (93.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #29 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Bismarck's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Bismarck'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 Bismarck?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bismarck's water come from?
Bismarck's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,470 residents.
What health violations has Bismarck's water system had?
Bismarck has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Bismarck's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bismarck 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 Bismarck's water compare to other cities?
Bismarck ranks #29 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 94% of state cities) and #894 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bismarck's small water system affect quality?
Bismarck's system serves approximately 1,470 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.