Is Fordland, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.7/100
waterverge.com Fordland, MO — Water Quality Report
Fordland's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,700 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.5 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 93 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fordland's water
Fordland ranks #379 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Fordland 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, Fordland 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 Fordland, MO water safe to drink?
Fordland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fordland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fordland's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
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 Fordland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fordland's water system has 93 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Webster County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Fordland's water come from?
Fordland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,700 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fordland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fordland'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.
Fordland'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Fordland
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- COMPASS PLAZA WELL TCE8.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Webster County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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. | 3.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fordland compares by contaminant
Explore where Fordland ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fordland's water comes from
Fordland'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 state ownership and serves approximately 1,700 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Fordland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OZARK CORRECTIONAL CENTER | MO5069035 | 900 | GW |
| FORDLAND PWS | MO5010283 | 800 | GW |
How Fordland compares
Full Missouri rankings →Fordland's score of 72.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Fordland, MO
Wikipedia →Fordland is a city in southern Webster County, Missouri, United States. As of the 2020 census, Fordland had a population of 778. It is part of the Springfield, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fordland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Webster
Frequently asked questions
Is Fordland, MO tap water safe to drink?
Fordland's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #379 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Fordland's water?
Lead was measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile). 93 violations are on record.
How is Fordland'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 Fordland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fordland's water come from?
Fordland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,700 residents.
What health violations has Fordland's water system had?
Fordland has 10 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. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fordland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fordland 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 93 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 Fordland's water compare to other cities?
Fordland ranks #379 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 26% of state cities) and #10254 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.