Is Fair Grove, 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 ↓
84.3/100
waterverge.com Fair Grove, MO — Water Quality Report
Fair Grove's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,600 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 45 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fair Grove's water
Fair Grove ranks #245 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Fair Grove 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, Fair Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fair Grove, MO water safe to drink?
Fair Grove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,600 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fair Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fair Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fair Grove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fair Grove's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Greene County has experienced 7 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 South Fork Dry Sac River Near Springfield.
Where does Fair Grove's water come from?
Fair Grove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,600 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Dry Sac River Near Springfield (river).
What Fair Grove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fair Grove'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.
Fair Grove'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 Fair Grove
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fair Grove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JOHN DEERE REMAN SPRINGFIELD SPRINGFIELD, MO65803 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
OZARKS MARBLE SPRINGFIELD, MO65803 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Greene County has experienced 7 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fair Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Fair Grove ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fair Grove's water comes from
Fair Grove'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 1,600 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fair Grove
Fair Grove is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fair Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREENE COUNTY PWSD 5 | MO5024230 | 1,500 | GW |
| WADSWORTH PARK UNIT 4 AND 5 | MO5036109 | 100 | GW |
How Fair Grove compares
Full Missouri rankings →Fair Grove's score of 84.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Fair Grove, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fair Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Greene
Frequently asked questions
Is Fair Grove, MO tap water safe to drink?
Fair Grove's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #245 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Fair Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.
How is Fair Grove'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 Fair Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fair Grove's water come from?
Fair Grove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,600 residents.
What health violations has Fair Grove's water system had?
Fair Grove has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fair Grove's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fair Grove 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 45 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 Fair Grove's water compare to other cities?
Fair Grove ranks #245 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 52% of state cities) and #5983 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.