Is Exeter, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com Exeter, MO — Water Quality Report
Exeter's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,500 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 14 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Exeter's water
Exeter ranks #79 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Exeter 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Exeter, MO water safe to drink?
Exeter's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Exeter
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Exeter's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
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).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Exeter's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Exeter's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Barry County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Roaring River At Roaring River State Park.
Where does Exeter's water come from?
Exeter's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Roaring River At Roaring River State Park (river).
What Exeter residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Exeter'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.
Exeter'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 Exeter
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Exeter, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEORGE'S PROCESSING INC OF MISSOURI CASSVILLE, MO65625 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
WILLOW BROOK FOODS PURDY, MO65734 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Barry County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Exeter compares by contaminant
Explore where Exeter ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Exeter's water comes from
Exeter'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,500 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Exeter
Exeter is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Exeter
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTHWEST RURAL WATER DISTRICT 1 | MO5021116 | 2,700 | GW |
| EXETER PWS | MO5010262 | 800 | GW |
How Exeter compares
Full Missouri rankings →Exeter's score of 90.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Exeter, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Exeter's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Barry
Frequently asked questions
Is Exeter, MO tap water safe to drink?
Exeter's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #79 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Exeter's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Exeter'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 Exeter?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Exeter's water come from?
Exeter's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,500 residents.
What health violations has Exeter's water system had?
Exeter has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Exeter's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Exeter 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 14 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 Exeter's water compare to other cities?
Exeter ranks #79 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 84% of state cities) and #2291 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.