Is Heber, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 26 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71.8/100
waterverge.com Heber, MO — Water Quality Report
Heber's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 668 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 69 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.
What to know about Heber's water
Heber ranks #391 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Heber 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Heber may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Heber, MO water safe to drink?
Heber's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 668 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Heber
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Heber's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.8/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Heber's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Heber's water system has 69 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Heber's water come from?
Heber's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 668 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Creve Coeur Creek At Chesterfield (river), Creve Coeur Creek Near Creve Coeur (river), Fee Fee Creek Near Bridgeton (river), River Des Peres Near University City (river), River Des Peres Tributary At Pagedale (river).
What Heber residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Heber'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Heber's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 11.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Heber compares by contaminant
Explore where Heber ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Heber's water comes from
Heber'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 private ownership and serves approximately 668 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Heber
Heber is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Heber
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS HIGH COUNTRY PINES WATER COMPANY | AZ0409329 | 668 | GW |
How Heber compares
Full Missouri rankings →Heber's score of 71.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Heber, MO
Wikipedia →Des Peres is a city in west St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 9,193 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Heber's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Navajo
Frequently asked questions
Is Heber, MO tap water safe to drink?
Heber's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #391 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Heber's water?
Lead was measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile). 69 violations are on record.
How is Heber'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 Heber?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Heber's water come from?
Heber's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 668 residents.
Is Heber's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Heber 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 69 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 Heber's water compare to other cities?
Heber ranks #391 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 23% of state cities) and #10490 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Heber's small water system affect quality?
Heber's system serves approximately 668 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 69 violations on record.