Is Galena, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 32 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
55.5/100
waterverge.com Galena, MO — Water Quality Report
Galena's drinking water received a grade of C- (55.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,453 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 162 violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Galena's water
Galena ranks #452 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Galena 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, Galena may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 33 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Galena, MO water safe to drink?
Galena's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,453 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Galena
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Galena's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Vinyl chloride, 1,1-Dichloroethylene.
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 Galena's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Galena's water system has 162 total violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 33 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stone County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 James River At Galena.
Where does Galena's water come from?
Galena's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 1,453 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include James River At Galena (river).
What Galena residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Galena'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.
Galena'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
Stone County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Galena compares by contaminant
Explore where Galena ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Galena's water comes from
Galena'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 1,453 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Galena
Galena is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Galena
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GALENA PWS | MO5010298 | 500 | GW |
| LIBERTY UTILITIES RIVERFORK RANCH ESTATE | MO5036315 | 483 | GW |
| VILLAGE OF MC CORD BEND | MO5036205 | 270 | GW |
| PIONEER POINT SUBD | MO5030770 | 150 | GW |
| MO AMERICAN TABLE ROCK ESTATES SUBD | MO5036232 | 50 | GW |
How Galena compares
Full Missouri rankings →Galena's score of 55.5/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Galena, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Galena's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stone
Frequently asked questions
Is Galena, MO tap water safe to drink?
Galena's water quality earned a grade of C- (55.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #452 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Galena's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 162 violations are on record.
How is Galena'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 Galena?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Galena's water come from?
Galena's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 1,453 residents.
What health violations has Galena's water system had?
Galena has 31 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. 32 violations remain unresolved.
Is Galena's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Galena 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 162 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 Galena's water compare to other cities?
Galena ranks #452 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 11% of state cities) and #12530 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.