Is Bourbon, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.8/100
waterverge.com Bourbon, MO — Water Quality Report
Bourbon's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,738 residents using groundwater.
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 163 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bourbon's water
Bourbon ranks #299 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bourbon 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, Bourbon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bourbon, MO water safe to drink?
Bourbon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,738 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bourbon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bourbon's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bourbon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bourbon's water system has 163 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crawford 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 Meramec River Near Sullivan.
Where does Bourbon's water come from?
Bourbon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,738 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Meramec River Near Sullivan (river).
What Bourbon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bourbon'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.
Bourbon'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 Bourbon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bourbon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MERAMEC GROUP SULLIVAN, MO63080 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
AEROFIL TECHNOLOGY INC SULLIVAN, MO63080 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
ACE MANUFACTURING & PARTS CO SULLIVAN, MO63080 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
MERAMEC GROUP - WEST SULLIVAN SULLIVAN, MO63080 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bourbon
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.
- OAK GROVE VILLAGE WELL7.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Crawford 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bourbon compares by contaminant
Explore where Bourbon ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bourbon's water comes from
Bourbon'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 1,738 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bourbon
Bourbon is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bourbon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOURBON PWS | MO6010092 | 1,524 | GW |
| ANTHONIES MILL RESORT SUBDIVISION | MO4036311 | 214 | GW |
How Bourbon compares
Full Missouri rankings →Bourbon's score of 81.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Bourbon, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bourbon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crawford
Frequently asked questions
Is Bourbon, MO tap water safe to drink?
Bourbon's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #299 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Bourbon's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 163 violations are on record.
How is Bourbon'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 Bourbon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bourbon's water come from?
Bourbon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,738 residents.
What health violations has Bourbon's water system had?
Bourbon has 14 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bourbon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bourbon 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 163 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 Bourbon's water compare to other cities?
Bourbon ranks #299 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 41% of state cities) and #7312 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.