Is Golden City, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com Golden City, MO — Water Quality Report
Golden City's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 680 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 8 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Golden City's water
Golden City ranks #83 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Golden City 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, Golden City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Golden City, MO water safe to drink?
Golden City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 680 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Golden City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Golden City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Golden City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Golden City's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Barton County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Golden City's water come from?
Golden City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 680 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Golden City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Golden City'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.
Golden City'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
Barton County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Golden City compares by contaminant
Explore where Golden City ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Golden City's water comes from
Golden City'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 680 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Golden City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOLDEN CITY PWS | MO5010313 | 680 | GW |
How Golden City compares
Full Missouri rankings →Golden City's score of 90.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Golden City, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Golden City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Barton
Frequently asked questions
Is Golden City, MO tap water safe to drink?
Golden City's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #83 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Golden City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Golden City'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 Golden City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Golden City's water come from?
Golden City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 680 residents.
What health violations has Golden City's water system had?
Golden City has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Golden City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Golden City 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 8 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 Golden City's water compare to other cities?
Golden City ranks #83 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 84% of state cities) and #2317 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Golden City's small water system affect quality?
Golden City's system serves approximately 680 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 8 violations on record.