Is Franklin, 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 ↓
87.2/100
waterverge.com Franklin, MO — Water Quality Report
Franklin's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,100 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 11 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Franklin's water
Franklin ranks #171 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Franklin 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, Franklin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Franklin, MO water safe to drink?
Franklin's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,100 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Franklin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Franklin's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3374). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4012). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Franklin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Franklin's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Howard County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Missouri River At Boonville, Petite Saline Creek At Hwy U Nr Boonville, M0.
Where does Franklin's water come from?
Franklin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Missouri River At Boonville (river), Petite Saline Creek At Hwy U Nr Boonville, M0 (river).
What Franklin 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.
Franklin'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 Franklin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Franklin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CATERPILLAR INC. - HIGH PERFORMANCE MOLDED PRODUCTS BOONVILLE, MO65233 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
HUEBERT FIBERBOARD INC BOONVILLE, MO65233 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Howard County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Franklin compares by contaminant
Explore where Franklin ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Franklin's water comes from
Franklin 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 Franklin'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 2,100 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Franklin
Franklin is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Franklin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOWARD COUNTY CONS PWSD 1 | MO2024259 | 2,100 | GWP |
How Franklin compares
Full Missouri rankings →Franklin's score of 87.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Franklin, MO
Wikipedia →Franklin is a city in Howard County, Missouri, United States. It is located along the Missouri River in the central part of the state. Located in a rural area, the city had a population of 70 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Columbia, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Franklin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Howard
Frequently asked questions
Is Franklin, MO tap water safe to drink?
Franklin's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #171 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Franklin's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Franklin'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 Franklin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Franklin's water come from?
Franklin's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,100 residents.
What health violations has Franklin's water system had?
Franklin has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Franklin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Franklin 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 11 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 Franklin's water compare to other cities?
Franklin ranks #171 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 66% of state cities) and #4213 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Franklin's small water system affect quality?
Franklin's system serves approximately 2,100 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 11 violations on record.