Is Brunswick, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84/100
Brunswick, MO — Water Quality Report
Brunswick's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,936 residents using purchased surface 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 10 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Brunswick's water
Brunswick ranks #254 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Brunswick may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brunswick, MO water safe to drink?
Brunswick's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,936 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Brunswick
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brunswick's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3325). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brunswick's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Brunswick's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chariton County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Brunswick's water come from?
Brunswick's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,936 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Brunswick residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Brunswick'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.
Brunswick'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
Flood & disaster history
Chariton County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Brunswick compares by contaminant
Explore where Brunswick ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brunswick's water comes from
Brunswick's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,936 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Brunswick
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHARITON COUNTY PWSD 2 | MO2024125 | 1,078 | SWP |
| MO AMERICAN BRUNSWICK | MO2010109 | 858 | GW |
How Brunswick compares
Full Missouri rankings →Brunswick's score of 84/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Brunswick, MO
Wikipedia →Brunswick is a city in Chariton County, Missouri, United States. Its population was 801 at the 2020 census. Brunswick, by official state proclamation, is the Pecan Capital of Missouri. The Missouri Farmers Association was founded in Brunswick in 1914.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brunswick's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chariton
Frequently asked questions
Is Brunswick, MO tap water safe to drink?
Brunswick's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #254 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Brunswick's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Brunswick'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 Brunswick?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brunswick's water come from?
Brunswick's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,936 residents.
How does Brunswick's water compare to other cities?
Brunswick ranks #254 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 50% of state cities) and #6150 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.