Is East Prairie, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.3/100
waterverge.com East Prairie, MO — Water Quality Report
East Prairie's drinking water received a grade of B (77.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,964 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 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 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Prairie's water
East Prairie ranks #342 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
East Prairie 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, East Prairie may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Prairie, MO water safe to drink?
East Prairie's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,964 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Prairie
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Prairie's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Prairie's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Prairie's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mississippi County has experienced 6 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.
Where does East Prairie's water come from?
East Prairie's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,964 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What East Prairie residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Prairie'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.
East Prairie'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
D2 — severe droughtMississippi County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Mississippi County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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. | 4.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Prairie compares by contaminant
Explore where East Prairie ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Prairie's water comes from
East Prairie'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 2,964 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving East Prairie
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAST PRAIRIE PWS | MO4010235 | 2,964 | GW |
How East Prairie compares
Full Missouri rankings →East Prairie's score of 77.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About East Prairie, MO
Wikipedia →East Prairie is a city in Mississippi County, Missouri, United States. The population was 2,943 at the 2020 census, down from 3,176 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Prairie's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mississippi
Frequently asked questions
Is East Prairie, MO tap water safe to drink?
East Prairie's water quality earned a grade of B (77.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #342 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in East Prairie's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is East Prairie'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 East Prairie?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Prairie's water come from?
East Prairie's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,964 residents.
What health violations has East Prairie's water system had?
East Prairie has 1 health-based violation 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is East Prairie's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Prairie 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 13 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 East Prairie's water compare to other cities?
East Prairie ranks #342 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 33% of state cities) and #9036 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Prairie's small water system affect quality?
East Prairie's system serves approximately 2,964 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 13 violations on record.