Is Essex, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
74.5/100
waterverge.com Essex, MO — Water Quality Report
Essex's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 899 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 43 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Essex's water
Essex ranks #368 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Essex purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Essex may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Essex, MO water safe to drink?
Essex's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 899 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Essex
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Essex's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.5/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). 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 Essex's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Essex's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stoddard County has experienced 4 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. Local water sources include Little River Ditch No. 1 Near Morehouse.
Where does Essex's water come from?
Essex's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 899 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little River Ditch No. 1 Near Morehouse (river).
What Essex residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Essex'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.
Essex'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Essex
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Essex, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON CHICKEN INC. DEXTER, MO63841 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
FAURECIA CLEAN MOBILITY DEXTER, MO63841 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtStoddard 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
Stoddard County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Essex's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.61 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.610 mg/L (2010)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Essex compares by contaminant
Explore where Essex ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Essex's water comes from
Essex 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 Essex'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 899 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Essex
Essex is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Essex
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STODDARD COUNTY PWSD 7 | MO4021592 | 500 | GWP |
| ESSEX PWS | MO4010255 | 399 | GW |
How Essex compares
Full Missouri rankings →Essex's score of 74.5/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Essex, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Essex's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stoddard
Frequently asked questions
Is Essex, MO tap water safe to drink?
Essex's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #368 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Essex's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.
How is Essex'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 Essex?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Essex's water come from?
Essex's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 899 residents.
What health violations has Essex's water system had?
Essex has 9 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Essex's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Essex 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 43 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 Essex's water compare to other cities?
Essex ranks #368 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 28% of state cities) and #9845 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.