Is Drexel, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.8/100
waterverge.com Drexel, MO — Water Quality Report
Drexel's drinking water received a grade of B (75.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,318 residents using purchased ground water.
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 64 violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Drexel's water
Drexel ranks #352 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Drexel purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
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 B (75.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,318 residents using groundwater (wells).
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: B (75.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-995). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 64 total violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cass 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.
Where does Drexel's water come from?
Drexel's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,318 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
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.
Drexel'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
Flood & disaster history
Cass 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. | 0.0 | 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 purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Drexel's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,318 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Drexel
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASS BATES COUNTY PWSD 12 | MO1021098 | 1,335 | GWP |
| MIAMI CO RWD 4 | KS2012108 | 1,018 | SWP |
| DREXEL PWS | MO1010225 | 965 | GWP |
How Drexel compares
Full Missouri rankings →Drexel's score of 75.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Drexel, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Drexel's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bates
Frequently asked questions
Is Drexel, MO tap water safe to drink?
Drexel's water quality earned a grade of B (75.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #352 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Drexel's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 64 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 ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,318 residents.
What health violations has Drexel's water system had?
Drexel has 30 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Drexel's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Drexel 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 64 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 Drexel's water compare to other cities?
Drexel ranks #352 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 31% of state cities) and #9478 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.