Is Clarence, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Clarence ranks. What to do next ↓
91.7/100
waterverge.com Clarence, MO — Water Quality Report
Clarence's drinking water received a grade of A (91.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 813 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 11 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Clarence's water
Clarence ranks #52 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it above average 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.
As a small community water system, Clarence may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clarence, MO water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Clarence's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (91.7/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 813 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Clarence
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clarence's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.7/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 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 Clarence's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clarence's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Shelby County has experienced 4 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 North Fork Salt River At Hagers Grove.
Where does Clarence's water come from?
Clarence's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 813 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Salt River At Hagers Grove (river).
What Clarence 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Clarence'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 Clarence
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clarence, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NORTHEAST MISSOURI GRAIN LLC MACON, MO63552 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Shelby County has experienced 4 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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clarence compares by contaminant
Explore where Clarence ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clarence's water comes from
Clarence'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 813 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clarence
Clarence is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Clarence
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLARENCE PWS | MO2010165 | 813 | SWP |
How Clarence compares
Full Missouri rankings →Clarence's score of 91.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Clarence, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clarence's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shelby
Frequently asked questions
Is Clarence, MO tap water safe to drink?
Clarence's water quality earned a grade of A (91.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #52 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Clarence's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Clarence'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 Clarence?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clarence's water come from?
Clarence's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 813 residents.
What health violations has Clarence's water system had?
Clarence has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does Clarence's water compare to other cities?
Clarence ranks #52 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 90% of state cities) and #1550 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clarence's small water system affect quality?
Clarence's system serves approximately 813 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 11 violations on record.