Is Drexel, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.1/100
waterverge.com Drexel, MO — Water Quality Report
Drexel's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,018 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Drexel's water
Drexel ranks #175 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Drexel may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Drexel, MO water safe to drink?
Drexel's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,018 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Drexel
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Drexel's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Drexel's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Drexel's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Drexel's water come from?
Drexel's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,018 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Drexel residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Drexel'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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Drexel compares by contaminant
Explore where Drexel ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Drexel's water comes from
Drexel'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 1,018 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Drexel
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIAMI CO RWD 4 | KS2012108 | 1,018 | SWP |
How Drexel compares
Full Missouri rankings →Drexel's score of 87.1/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Drexel's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Miami
Frequently asked questions
Is Drexel, MO tap water safe to drink?
Drexel's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #175 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Drexel's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Drexel'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 Drexel?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Drexel's water come from?
Drexel's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,018 residents.
What health violations has Drexel's water system had?
Drexel has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Drexel's water compare to other cities?
Drexel ranks #175 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 66% of state cities) and #4271 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Drexel's small water system affect quality?
Drexel's system serves approximately 1,018 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.