Is Carterville, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.4/100
waterverge.com Carterville, MO — Water Quality Report
Carterville's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,982 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 23 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carterville's water
Carterville ranks #191 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Carterville 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, Carterville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carterville, MO water safe to drink?
Carterville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,982 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carterville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carterville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Carterville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carterville's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jasper County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Spring River At Carthage, North Fork Spring River Near Purcell, Spring River Near Waco, Shoal Creek Above Joplin.
Where does Carterville's water come from?
Carterville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,982 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Spring River At Carthage (river), North Fork Spring River Near Purcell (river), Spring River Near Waco (river), Shoal Creek Above Joplin (river).
What Carterville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carterville'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.
Carterville'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 Carterville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Carterville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 764 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DYNO NOBEL INC - CARTHAGE PLANT CARTHAGE, MO64836 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 764 | 3.5 mi |
MODINE MANUFACTURING CO JOPLIN, MO64801 | Nickel | 0 | 7.7 mi |
ABLE MANUFACTURING & ASSEMBLY LLC JOPLIN, MO64801 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
EAGLEPICHER TECHNOLOGIES LLC JOPLIN, MO64801 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
DUCOMMUN LABARGE TECHNOLOGIES,INC. JOPLIN, MO64801 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Carterville
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.
- ORONOGO DUENWEG MINING BELT3.3 mi
- NEWTON COUNTY WELLS7.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Jasper County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Carterville compares by contaminant
Explore where Carterville ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carterville's water comes from
Carterville'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 1,982 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Carterville
Carterville is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Carterville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARTERVILLE PWS | MO5010141 | 1,982 | GW |
How Carterville compares
Full Missouri rankings →Carterville's score of 86.4/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Carterville, MO
Wikipedia →Carterville is a city in Jasper County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,855 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Joplin, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carterville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jasper
Frequently asked questions
Is Carterville, MO tap water safe to drink?
Carterville's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #191 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Carterville's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Carterville'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 Carterville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carterville's water come from?
Carterville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,982 residents.
What health violations has Carterville's water system had?
Carterville has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Carterville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carterville 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 23 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 Carterville's water compare to other cities?
Carterville ranks #191 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 62% of state cities) and #4716 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carterville's small water system affect quality?
Carterville's system serves approximately 1,982 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 23 violations on record.