Is Burlington Junction, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.6/100
waterverge.com Burlington Junction, MO — Water Quality Report
Burlington Junction's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 630 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Burlington Junction's water
Burlington Junction ranks #259 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Burlington Junction 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, Burlington Junction may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Burlington Junction, MO water safe to drink?
Burlington Junction's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 630 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Burlington Junction
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Burlington Junction's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-995). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Burlington Junction's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Burlington Junction's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Nodaway County has experienced 5 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 Nodaway River Near Burlington Junction.
Where does Burlington Junction's water come from?
Burlington Junction's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 630 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nodaway River Near Burlington Junction (river).
What Burlington Junction residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Burlington Junction'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.
Burlington Junction'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
Nodaway County has experienced 5 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Burlington Junction compares by contaminant
Explore where Burlington Junction ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Burlington Junction's water comes from
Burlington Junction'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 630 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Burlington Junction
Burlington Junction is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Burlington Junction
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BURLINGTON JUNCTION PWS | MO1010117 | 630 | GW |
How Burlington Junction compares
Full Missouri rankings →Burlington Junction's score of 83.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Burlington Junction, MO
Wikipedia →Burlington Junction is a city in northwestern Nodaway County, Missouri, United States. The population was 521 at the 2020 census and is the second largest city in the county by population.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Burlington Junction's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nodaway
Frequently asked questions
Is Burlington Junction, MO tap water safe to drink?
Burlington Junction's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #259 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Burlington Junction's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Burlington Junction'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 Burlington Junction?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Burlington Junction's water come from?
Burlington Junction's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 630 residents.
What health violations has Burlington Junction's water system had?
Burlington Junction has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Burlington Junction's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Burlington Junction 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 Burlington Junction's water compare to other cities?
Burlington Junction ranks #259 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 49% of state cities) and #6356 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Burlington Junction's small water system affect quality?
Burlington Junction's system serves approximately 630 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.