Is Golden, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.3/100
waterverge.com Golden, MO — Water Quality Report
Golden's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 654 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 19 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Golden's water
Golden ranks #248 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Golden 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 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Golden, MO water safe to drink?
Golden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 654 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Golden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Golden's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.3/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Radium-228, Radium-226.
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 Golden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Golden's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Barry County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Kings River Near Berryville.
Where does Golden's water come from?
Golden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 654 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kings River Near Berryville (river).
What Golden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Golden'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'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
Barry County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Golden compares by contaminant
Explore where Golden ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Golden's water comes from
Golden'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 654 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Golden
Golden is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Golden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMERALD BEACH VILLAGE OF PWS | MO5010999 | 484 | GW |
| ARROW POINT VILLAGE PWS | MO5010027 | 120 | GW |
| AIRPORT HOMEOWNERS ASSN INC | MO5031435 | 50 | GW |
How Golden compares
Full Missouri rankings →Golden's score of 84.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Golden, MO
Wikipedia →Golden is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in southeastern Barry County, Missouri, United States. It is approximately 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Cassville. It is located south of Table Rock Lake and one mile north of Missouri Route 86 on Highway J. At the 2020 census, Golden had a population of 275.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Golden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Barry
Frequently asked questions
Is Golden, MO tap water safe to drink?
Golden's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #248 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Golden's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Golden'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?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Golden's water come from?
Golden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 654 residents.
What health violations has Golden's water system had?
Golden has 4 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Golden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Golden 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 19 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's water compare to other cities?
Golden ranks #248 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 51% of state cities) and #5998 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.