Is Foster, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.2/100
waterverge.com Foster, MO — Water Quality Report
Foster's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,348 residents using purchased surface 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 8 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Foster's water
Foster ranks #224 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Foster may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Foster, MO water safe to drink?
Foster's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,348 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Foster
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Foster's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-995). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Foster's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Foster's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bates County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Osage River At Horton.
Where does Foster's water come from?
Foster's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,348 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Osage River At Horton (river).
What Foster residents can do
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.
Foster'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
Bates County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Foster compares by contaminant
Explore where Foster ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Foster's water comes from
Foster's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,348 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Foster
Foster is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Foster
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BATES COUNTY PWSD 4 | MO1024033 | 2,348 | SWP |
How Foster compares
Full Missouri rankings →Foster's score of 85.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Foster, MO
Wikipedia →Rich Hill is a city in southern Bates County, Missouri, United States, that is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The population was 1,232 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Foster's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bates
Frequently asked questions
Is Foster, MO tap water safe to drink?
Foster's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #224 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Foster's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Foster'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 Foster?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Foster's water come from?
Foster's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,348 residents.
What health violations has Foster's water system had?
Foster has 4 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Foster's water compare to other cities?
Foster ranks #224 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 56% of state cities) and #5455 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Foster's small water system affect quality?
Foster's system serves approximately 2,348 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 8 violations on record.