Is Gadsden, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 38 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.4/100
waterverge.com Gadsden, MO — Water Quality Report
Gadsden's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 540 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 153 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gadsden's water
Gadsden ranks #371 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Gadsden 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, Gadsden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gadsden, MO water safe to drink?
Gadsden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 540 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gadsden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gadsden's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gadsden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gadsden's water system has 153 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Gadsden's water come from?
Gadsden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 540 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Creve Coeur Creek At Chesterfield (river), Creve Coeur Creek Near Creve Coeur (river), Fee Fee Creek Near Bridgeton (river), River Des Peres Near University City (river), River Des Peres Tributary At Pagedale (river).
What Gadsden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gadsden'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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 Gadsden compares by contaminant
Explore where Gadsden ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gadsden's water comes from
Gadsden'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 540 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gadsden
Gadsden is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gadsden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS GADSDEN WATER COMPANY | AZ0414037 | 540 | GW |
How Gadsden compares
Full Missouri rankings →Gadsden's score of 74.4/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Gadsden, MO
Wikipedia →Des Peres is a city in west St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 9,193 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gadsden's water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Gadsden, MO tap water safe to drink?
Gadsden's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #371 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Gadsden's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 153 violations are on record.
How is Gadsden'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 Gadsden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gadsden's water come from?
Gadsden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 540 residents.
What health violations has Gadsden's water system had?
Gadsden has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 38 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gadsden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gadsden 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 153 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 Gadsden's water compare to other cities?
Gadsden ranks #371 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 27% of state cities) and #9870 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gadsden's small water system affect quality?
Gadsden's system serves approximately 540 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 153 violations on record.