Is Higbee, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.9/100
waterverge.com Higbee, MO — Water Quality Report
Higbee's drinking water received a grade of B (78.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 560 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.8 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 25 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Higbee's water
Higbee ranks #331 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
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, Higbee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Higbee, MO water safe to drink?
Higbee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 560 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Higbee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Higbee's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.9/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-995). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Higbee'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
Higbee's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Randolph County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 Higbee's water come from?
Higbee's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 560 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Higbee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Higbee'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Higbee
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Higbee, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WILSON TRAILER CO MOBERLY, MO65270 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
QUALICO PRECISION PRODUCTS LLC MOBERLY, MO65270 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Randolph County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Higbee'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. | 6.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Higbee compares by contaminant
Explore where Higbee ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Higbee's water comes from
Higbee's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 560 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Higbee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIGBEE PWS | MO2010362 | 560 | SWP |
How Higbee compares
Full Missouri rankings →Higbee's score of 78.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Higbee, MO
Wikipedia →Higbee is a city in southern Randolph County, Missouri, United States. As of the 2020 census, Higbee had a population of 459. Barrel-making company A&K Cooperage, Barrel 53 Cooperage and Woodsmen Distilling are based in Higbee.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Higbee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Randolph
Frequently asked questions
Is Higbee, MO tap water safe to drink?
Higbee's water quality earned a grade of B (78.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #331 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Higbee's water?
Lead was measured at 6.8 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Higbee'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 Higbee?
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 Higbee's water come from?
Higbee's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 560 residents.
What health violations has Higbee's water system had?
Higbee has 5 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Higbee's water compare to other cities?
Higbee ranks #331 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 35% of state cities) and #8479 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Higbee's small water system affect quality?
Higbee's system serves approximately 560 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 25 violations on record.