Is Clifton, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 69 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Clifton, MO — Water Quality Report
Clifton's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 955 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 251 violations on record, including 35 health-based violations. 69 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clifton's water
Clifton ranks #481 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Clifton 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, Clifton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 43 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clifton, MO water safe to drink?
Clifton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 955 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clifton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clifton's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clifton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clifton's water system has 251 total violations on record, including 35 health-based violations. 69 remain unresolved. 43 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Clifton's water come from?
Clifton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 955 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Creve Coeur Creek At Chesterfield (river), Creve Coeur Creek Near Creve Coeur (river), Fee Fee Creek Near Bridgeton (river), River Des Peres Near University City (river), River Des Peres Tributary At Pagedale (river).
What Clifton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clifton'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clifton compares by contaminant
Explore where Clifton ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clifton's water comes from
Clifton'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 private ownership and serves approximately 955 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Clifton
Clifton is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clifton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS VERDE LEE WATER COMPANY | AZ0406004 | 604 | GW |
| CS LOMA LINDA WATER COMPANY | AZ0406005 | 351 | GW |
How Clifton compares
Full Missouri rankings →Clifton's score of 47/100 is below 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 Clifton, MO
Wikipedia →Des Peres is a city in west St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 9,193 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clifton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Greenlee
Frequently asked questions
Is Clifton, MO tap water safe to drink?
Clifton's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #481 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Clifton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 251 violations are on record.
How is Clifton'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 Clifton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clifton's water come from?
Clifton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 955 residents.
What health violations has Clifton's water system had?
Clifton has 35 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 69 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clifton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clifton 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 251 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 Clifton's water compare to other cities?
Clifton ranks #481 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 6% of state cities) and #13780 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.