Is Buckner, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.2/100
waterverge.com Buckner, MO — Water Quality Report
Buckner's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,076 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Buckner's water
Buckner ranks #170 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Buckner 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, Buckner may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Buckner, MO water safe to drink?
Buckner's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,076 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Buckner
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buckner's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.2/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3325). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Buckner's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Buckner's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 8 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 Blue Springs Reservoir Near Blue Springs, Crackerneck Creek At Selsa Rd. In Independence, Spring Branch Ck At Holke Rd In Independence, Little Blue River Near Lake City, Missouri River At Napoleon.
Where does Buckner's water come from?
Buckner's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,076 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Blue Springs Reservoir Near Blue Springs (lake), Crackerneck Creek At Selsa Rd. In Independence (river), Spring Branch Ck At Holke Rd In Independence (river), Little Blue River Near Lake City (river), Missouri River At Napoleon (river).
What Buckner residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Buckner'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.
Buckner'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 Buckner
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Buckner, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 662 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US ARMY LAKE CITY ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT INDEPENDENCE, MO64056 | Zinc compounds | 662 | 8.1 mi |
MEYER LABORATORY INC. BLUE SPRINGS, MO64015 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
ALSTOM SIGNALING LLC GRAIN VALLEY, MO64029 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
AERO TRANSPORTATION PRODUCTS INC INDEPENDENCE, MO64056 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS INDEPENDENCE (IND) INDEPENDENCE, MO64056 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Buckner
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.
- LAKE CITY ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT NORTHWEST LAGOON4.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Jackson County has experienced 8 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 Buckner compares by contaminant
Explore where Buckner ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Buckner's water comes from
Buckner 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 Buckner'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 3,076 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Buckner
Buckner is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Buckner
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUCKNER PWS | MO1010113 | 3,076 | GWP |
How Buckner compares
Full Missouri rankings →Buckner's score of 87.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Buckner, MO
Wikipedia →Buckner is a city in Jackson County, Missouri, United States. The population was 2,945 at the 2020 census. For decades it was best known for TV and radio commercials promoting local automobile dealership Lasater Ford, run by the Lasater brothers, Wilson and Milton and later Halverson Ford. It is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Buckner's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Buckner, MO tap water safe to drink?
Buckner's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #170 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Buckner's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Buckner'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 Buckner?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Buckner's water come from?
Buckner's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,076 residents.
Is Buckner's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Buckner 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 7 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 Buckner's water compare to other cities?
Buckner ranks #170 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 67% of state cities) and #4204 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Buckner's small water system affect quality?
Buckner's system serves approximately 3,076 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 7 violations on record.