Is Gallatin, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.8/100
Gallatin, MO — Water Quality Report
Gallatin's drinking water received a grade of A (90.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,221 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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 30 violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Gallatin's water
Gallatin ranks #68 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Gallatin 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, Gallatin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gallatin, MO water safe to drink?
Gallatin's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,221 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gallatin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gallatin's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Gallatin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gallatin's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Daviess County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Grand River Near Gallatin.
Where does Gallatin's water come from?
Gallatin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,221 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Grand River Near Gallatin (river).
What Gallatin 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.
Gallatin'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 Gallatin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gallatin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LANDMARK MANUFACTURING CORP GALLATIN, MO64640 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Daviess County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 2.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gallatin compares by contaminant
Explore where Gallatin ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gallatin's water comes from
Gallatin'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 2,221 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Gallatin
Gallatin is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gallatin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GALLATIN PWS | MO1010299 | 1,821 | GW |
| DAVIESS COUNTY PWSD 3 | MO1036130 | 400 | SW |
How Gallatin compares
Full Missouri rankings →Gallatin's score of 90.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Gallatin, MO
Wikipedia →Gallatin is a city in Daviess County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,821 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Daviess County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gallatin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Daviess
Frequently asked questions
Is Gallatin, MO tap water safe to drink?
Gallatin's water quality earned a grade of A (90.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #68 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Gallatin's water?
Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Gallatin'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 Gallatin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gallatin's water come from?
Gallatin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,221 residents.
What health violations has Gallatin's water system had?
Gallatin has 24 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Gallatin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gallatin 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 30 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 Gallatin's water compare to other cities?
Gallatin ranks #68 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 87% of state cities) and #2039 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.