Is Doniphan, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.3/100
waterverge.com Doniphan, MO — Water Quality Report
Doniphan's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 7,985 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.9 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 52 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Doniphan's water
Doniphan ranks #402 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Doniphan 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.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Doniphan, MO water safe to drink?
Doniphan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 7,985 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Doniphan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Doniphan's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Doniphan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Doniphan's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ripley 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 Current River At Doniphan.
Where does Doniphan's water come from?
Doniphan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 7,985 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Current River At Doniphan (river).
What Doniphan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Doniphan'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Doniphan'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRipley County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Ripley 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. | 3.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Doniphan compares by contaminant
Explore where Doniphan ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Doniphan's water comes from
Doniphan'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 7,985 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Doniphan
Doniphan is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Doniphan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIPLEY COUNTY PWSD 2 | MO4024523 | 2,780 | GW |
| RIPLEY COUNTY PWSD 1 EAST | MO4024521 | 2,265 | GW |
| DONIPHAN PWS | MO4010221 | 2,000 | GW |
| RIPLEY COUNTY PWSD 1 WEST | MO4024522 | 940 | GW |
How Doniphan compares
Full Missouri rankings →Doniphan's score of 70.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Doniphan, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Doniphan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ripley
Frequently asked questions
Is Doniphan, MO tap water safe to drink?
Doniphan's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #402 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Doniphan's water?
Lead was measured at 3.9 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is Doniphan'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 Doniphan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Doniphan's water come from?
Doniphan's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 7,985 residents.
What health violations has Doniphan's water system had?
Doniphan has 26 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Doniphan's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Doniphan 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 52 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 Doniphan's water compare to other cities?
Doniphan ranks #402 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 21% of state cities) and #10759 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.