Is Canton, 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 ↓
93.7/100
waterverge.com Canton, MO — Water Quality Report
Canton's drinking water received a grade of A (93.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,200 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Canton's water
Canton ranks #25 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Canton 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, Canton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Canton, MO water safe to drink?
Canton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Canton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Canton's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3374). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Canton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Canton's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lewis County has experienced 6 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. Local water sources include Wyaconda River Above Canton, North Fabius River Near Ewing.
Where does Canton's water come from?
Canton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wyaconda River Above Canton (river), North Fabius River Near Ewing (river).
What Canton 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.
Canton'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
Lewis County has experienced 6 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Canton compares by contaminant
Explore where Canton ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Canton's water comes from
Canton'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 3,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Canton
Canton is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Canton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANTON PWS | MO2010134 | 3,200 | GW |
How Canton compares
Full Missouri rankings →Canton's score of 93.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Canton, MO
Wikipedia →Canton is a city in Lewis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 2,774 at the 2020 census. Canton is the home of Culver-Stockton College, a small liberal arts college affiliated with the Christian Church. It also had the oldest continuously operating ferry across the Mississippi River, which closed in April 2014. Four members of the United States House of Representatives have come from Canton, and are buried in the city's Forest Grove Cemetery. Canton is part of the Quincy, IL–MO Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Canton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lewis
Frequently asked questions
Is Canton, MO tap water safe to drink?
Canton's water quality earned a grade of A (93.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #25 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Canton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Canton'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 Canton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Canton's water come from?
Canton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,200 residents.
What health violations has Canton's water system had?
Canton has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Canton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Canton 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 10 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 Canton's water compare to other cities?
Canton ranks #25 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 95% of state cities) and #749 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Canton's small water system affect quality?
Canton's system serves approximately 3,200 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 10 violations on record.