Is Cleveland, 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 ↓
67.1/100
waterverge.com Cleveland, MO — Water Quality Report
Cleveland's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 690 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 27 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cleveland's water
Cleveland ranks #420 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Cleveland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cleveland, MO water safe to drink?
Cleveland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 690 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cleveland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cleveland's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Cleveland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cleveland's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cass County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 Blue R Nr Stanley.
Where does Cleveland's water come from?
Cleveland's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 690 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Blue R Nr Stanley (river).
What Cleveland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cleveland'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.
Cleveland'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
Cass County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cleveland compares by contaminant
Explore where Cleveland ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cleveland's water comes from
Cleveland'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 690 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cleveland
Cleveland 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 Cleveland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLEVELAND PWS | MO1010174 | 690 | SWP |
How Cleveland compares
Full Missouri rankings →Cleveland's score of 67.1/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Cleveland, MO
Wikipedia →Cleveland is a city in Cass County, Missouri, United States. The population was 650 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cleveland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cass
Frequently asked questions
Is Cleveland, MO tap water safe to drink?
Cleveland's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #420 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Cleveland's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Cleveland'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 Cleveland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cleveland's water come from?
Cleveland's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 690 residents.
What health violations has Cleveland's water system had?
Cleveland has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cleveland's water compare to other cities?
Cleveland ranks #420 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 17% of state cities) and #11278 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cleveland's small water system affect quality?
Cleveland's system serves approximately 690 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 27 violations on record.