Is Clever, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.2/100
waterverge.com Clever, MO — Water Quality Report
Clever's drinking water received a grade of A (91.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,139 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 21 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clever's water
Clever ranks #62 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Clever 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, Clever may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clever, MO water safe to drink?
Clever's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,139 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clever
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clever's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3374). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clever's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clever's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Christian County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 Wilson Creek Near Springfield, South Creek Near Springfield, Wilson Creek Near Brookline, James River Near Boaz, Finley Creek Below Riverdale.
Where does Clever's water come from?
Clever's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,139 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wilson Creek Near Springfield (river), South Creek Near Springfield (river), Wilson Creek Near Brookline (river), James River Near Boaz (river), Finley Creek Below Riverdale (river).
What Clever residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clever'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.
Clever'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 Clever
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clever, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JOHN TWITTY ENERGY CENTER SPRINGFIELD, MO65807 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
BLEVINS ASPHALT CONSTRUCTION CO INC BROOKLINE, MO65619 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
CHRISTIAN COUNTY CONCRETE NIXA, MO65714 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
CONCRETE CO OF SPRINGFIELD- REPUBLIC REPUBLIC, MO65738 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Clever
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.
- SOLID STATE CIRCUITS INC6.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Christian County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clever compares by contaminant
Explore where Clever ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clever's water comes from
Clever'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 2,139 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clever
Clever is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clever
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLEVER PWS | MO5010175 | 2,139 | GW |
How Clever compares
Full Missouri rankings →Clever's score of 91.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Clever, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clever's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Christian
Frequently asked questions
Is Clever, MO tap water safe to drink?
Clever's water quality earned a grade of A (91.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #62 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Clever's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Clever'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 Clever?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clever's water come from?
Clever's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,139 residents.
What health violations has Clever's water system had?
Clever has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clever's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clever 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 21 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 Clever's water compare to other cities?
Clever ranks #62 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 88% of state cities) and #1821 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clever's small water system affect quality?
Clever's system serves approximately 2,139 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 21 violations on record.