Is Gerald, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.5/100
waterverge.com Gerald, MO — Water Quality Report
Gerald's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,413 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 39 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gerald's water
Gerald ranks #190 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Gerald 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, Gerald may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gerald, MO water safe to drink?
Gerald's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,413 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gerald
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gerald's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Gerald's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gerald's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Gerald's water come from?
Gerald's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,413 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Gerald residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gerald'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.
Gerald'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 Gerald
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gerald, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BULL MOOSE TUBE CO GERALD, MO63037 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Franklin County has experienced 10 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gerald compares by contaminant
Explore where Gerald ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gerald's water comes from
Gerald'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 1,413 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Gerald
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERALD PWS | MO6010303 | 1,383 | GW |
| FOXBORO SUBDIVISION | MO6036323 | 30 | GW |
How Gerald compares
Full Missouri rankings →Gerald's score of 86.5/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Gerald, MO
Wikipedia →Gerald is a city in western Franklin County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,361 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gerald's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Gerald, MO tap water safe to drink?
Gerald's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #190 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Gerald's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Gerald'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 Gerald?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gerald's water come from?
Gerald's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,413 residents.
What health violations has Gerald's water system had?
Gerald has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gerald's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gerald 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 39 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 Gerald's water compare to other cities?
Gerald ranks #190 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 63% of state cities) and #4680 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.