Is Hermann, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.4/100
waterverge.com Hermann, MO — Water Quality Report
Hermann's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,550 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.5 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 32 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hermann's water
Hermann ranks #409 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Hermann 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, Hermann may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hermann, MO water safe to drink?
Hermann's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,550 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hermann
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hermann's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hermann'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
Hermann's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gasconade County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Missouri River At Hermann.
Where does Hermann's water come from?
Hermann's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,550 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Missouri River At Hermann (river).
What Hermann residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hermann'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.
Hermann'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
Gasconade County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hermann'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. | 5.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hermann compares by contaminant
Explore where Hermann ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hermann's water comes from
Hermann'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 2,550 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hermann
Hermann is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hermann
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HERMANN PWS | MO6010360 | 2,500 | GW |
| BLACK FOREST HOA INC NO 2 | MO3031167 | 50 | GW |
How Hermann compares
Full Missouri rankings →Hermann's score of 69.4/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Hermann, MO
Wikipedia →Hermann is a city in and the county seat of Gasconade County, Missouri, United States. It has been the county seat since 1842. It is near the center of the Missouri Rhineland and south of the Missouri River. The population was 2,185 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hermann's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gasconade
Frequently asked questions
Is Hermann, MO tap water safe to drink?
Hermann's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #409 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Hermann's water?
Lead was measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Hermann'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 Hermann?
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 Hermann's water come from?
Hermann's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,550 residents.
What health violations has Hermann's water system had?
Hermann has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hermann's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hermann 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 32 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 Hermann's water compare to other cities?
Hermann ranks #409 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 20% of state cities) and #10921 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.