Is Cardwell, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
59.7/100
waterverge.com Cardwell, MO — Water Quality Report
Cardwell's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 533 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 79 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cardwell's water
Cardwell ranks #447 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Cardwell 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, Cardwell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 30 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cardwell, MO water safe to drink?
Cardwell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 533 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cardwell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cardwell's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, DICHLOROMETHANE, Vinyl chloride.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cardwell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cardwell's water system has 79 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 30 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dunklin County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Cardwell's water come from?
Cardwell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 533 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cardwell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cardwell'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.
Cardwell'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtDunklin County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Dunklin County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cardwell compares by contaminant
Explore where Cardwell ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cardwell's water comes from
Cardwell'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 533 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cardwell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARDWELL PWS | MO4010137 | 533 | GW |
How Cardwell compares
Full Missouri rankings →Cardwell's score of 59.7/100 is on par with the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Cardwell, MO
Wikipedia →Cardwell is a city in southwest Dunklin County, Missouri, United States. The 2024 recorded population is 526. The community was named after Frank Cardwell, an Arkansas banker who lent money to the town's founders. The current mayor of Cardwell is Denise Latting and the current aldermen are Cody Todd, Dustin Lee and Winnia Cohea. Lisa Vowels serves as the City Clerk.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cardwell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dunklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Cardwell, MO tap water safe to drink?
Cardwell's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #447 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Cardwell's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 79 violations are on record.
How is Cardwell'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 Cardwell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cardwell's water come from?
Cardwell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 533 residents.
Is Cardwell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cardwell 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 79 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 Cardwell's water compare to other cities?
Cardwell ranks #447 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 12% of state cities) and #12155 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cardwell's small water system affect quality?
Cardwell's system serves approximately 533 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 79 violations on record.