Is Edgar Springs, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.1/100
waterverge.com Edgar Springs, MO — Water Quality Report
Edgar Springs's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater.
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 15 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Edgar Springs's water
Edgar Springs ranks #138 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Edgar Springs 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, Edgar Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Edgar Springs, MO water safe to drink?
Edgar Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Edgar Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Edgar Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Edgar Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Edgar Springs's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Phelps County has experienced 6 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 Edgar Springs's water come from?
Edgar Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Edgar Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Edgar Springs'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.
Edgar Springs'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
Phelps County has experienced 6 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 Edgar Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Edgar Springs ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Edgar Springs's water comes from
Edgar Springs'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 800 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Edgar Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHELPS COUNTY PWSD 1 | MO3024465 | 800 | GW |
How Edgar Springs compares
Full Missouri rankings →Edgar Springs's score of 88.1/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Edgar Springs, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Edgar Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Phelps
Frequently asked questions
Is Edgar Springs, MO tap water safe to drink?
Edgar Springs's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #138 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Edgar Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Edgar Springs'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 Edgar Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Edgar Springs's water come from?
Edgar Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
What health violations has Edgar Springs's water system had?
Edgar Springs has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Edgar Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Edgar Springs 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 15 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 Edgar Springs's water compare to other cities?
Edgar Springs ranks #138 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 73% of state cities) and #3656 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Edgar Springs's small water system affect quality?
Edgar Springs's system serves approximately 800 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 15 violations on record.