Is Calhoun, 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 ↓
87.6/100
waterverge.com Calhoun, MO — Water Quality Report
Calhoun's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,317 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 17 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Calhoun's water
Calhoun ranks #158 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Calhoun, MO water safe to drink?
Calhoun's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,317 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Calhoun
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Calhoun's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Calhoun's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Calhoun's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Henry County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Calhoun's water come from?
Calhoun's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,317 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Calhoun 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.
Calhoun'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 Calhoun
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Calhoun, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PLZ CORP. CLINTON, MO64735 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
TRACKER MARINE CLINTON CLINTON, MO64735 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Henry County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Calhoun compares by contaminant
Explore where Calhoun ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Calhoun's water comes from
Calhoun'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 3,317 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Calhoun
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HENRY COUNTY PWSD 3 | MO1021117 | 2,993 | SWP |
| CALHOUN PWS | MO1010123 | 324 | SWP |
How Calhoun compares
Full Missouri rankings →Calhoun's score of 87.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Calhoun, MO
Wikipedia →Clinton is a city in and the county seat of Henry County, Missouri, United States. The population was 9,174 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Calhoun's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Henry
Frequently asked questions
Is Calhoun, MO tap water safe to drink?
Calhoun's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #158 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Calhoun's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Calhoun'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 Calhoun?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Calhoun's water come from?
Calhoun's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,317 residents.
What health violations has Calhoun's water system had?
Calhoun has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Calhoun's water compare to other cities?
Calhoun ranks #158 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 69% of state cities) and #3940 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.