WaterVerge

Is Crane, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MO5010192
Overall Score
64.6 / 100
Violations
20 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#429 of 509 in Missouri Top 74% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
CGRADE
Water Quality Grade
64.6/100
waterverge.com
C 64.6/100

Crane, MO — Water Quality Report

Crane's drinking water received a grade of C (64.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,495 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 89 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Crane's water

Crane ranks #429 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Crane 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, Crane may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
64.6 out of 100 Grade C
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
17.6/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Crane, MO water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Crane's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,495 residents using groundwater (wells).

20
Active Violations
1.9 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Crane

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Crane's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.6/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

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 Crane's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.9 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Crane's water system has 89 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherRPTTTMONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Nov 2025 Public Notice Open
Nov 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
Sep 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
May 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Mar 2025 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Stone County has experienced 5 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 James River At Galena.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4317
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4250
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-3374

Where does Crane's water come from?

Crane's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,495 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include James River At Galena (river).

What Crane residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Crane's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Crane'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.9 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

89
Total violations
7
Health-based
20
Active / unresolved
Nov 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

89 Total
20 Active
7 Health-based
69 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
23
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Inorganic Chemicals
10
Total Coliform Rule
10
Consumer Confidence Rule
6
Nov 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Nov 2025 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Sep 2025 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Mar 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Dec 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
May 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2013 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2004 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2002 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Showing 20 of 89 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Crane

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Crane, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
TYSON POULTRY INC
Food · TYSON FOODS INC
AURORA, MO65605
8.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Jun 2017
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Stone County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jun 2017
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4317
Jan 2016
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4250
Jan 2016
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3374
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3232
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #995

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.9 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.9 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2023 (1.9 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,495
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Crane's water comes from

Groundwater

Crane'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 1,495 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Crane

Crane is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

James River At Galena
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Crane

System Name PWSID Population Source
CRANE PWS MO5010192 1,495 GW
Regional Comparison

How Crane compares

Full Missouri rankings →

Crane's score of 64.6/100 is on par with the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Crane (this city)
64.6
St. Louis
40.9
Columbia
61.4
Missouri avg
62
City Profile

About Crane, MO

Wikipedia →

Crane is a town in Stone County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,495 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Branson, Missouri Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$45,234
Median Income
$94,513
Median Home Value
$825/mo
Median Rent
4.3%
Unemployment
Community
30.6
Median Age
373
People / sq mi
10.5%
College Educated
61.8%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Crane, MO tap water safe to drink?

Crane's water quality earned a grade of C (64.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #429 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.

What contaminants are in Crane's water?

Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 89 violations are on record.

How is Crane'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 Crane?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Crane's water come from?

Crane's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,495 residents.

What health violations has Crane's water system had?

Crane has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.

Is Crane's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Crane 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 89 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 Crane's water compare to other cities?

Crane ranks #429 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 16% of state cities) and #11639 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Crane's small water system affect quality?

Crane's system serves approximately 1,495 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 89 violations on record.