Is Hilsboro, 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 ↓
85.9/100
waterverge.com Hilsboro, MO — Water Quality Report
Hilsboro's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,012 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hilsboro's water
Hilsboro ranks #201 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Hilsboro 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, Hilsboro may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hilsboro, MO water safe to drink?
Hilsboro's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,012 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hilsboro
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hilsboro's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hilsboro's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hilsboro's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Hilsboro's water come from?
Hilsboro's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,012 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hilsboro residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hilsboro'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hilsboro compares by contaminant
Explore where Hilsboro ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hilsboro's water comes from
Hilsboro'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 2,012 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hilsboro
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIRASOL SUBDIVISION | MO6031523 | 2,012 | GW |
How Hilsboro compares
Full Missouri rankings →Hilsboro's score of 85.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hilsboro's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Hilsboro, MO tap water safe to drink?
Hilsboro's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #201 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Hilsboro's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Hilsboro'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 Hilsboro?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hilsboro's water come from?
Hilsboro's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,012 residents.
Is Hilsboro's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hilsboro 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 4 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 Hilsboro's water compare to other cities?
Hilsboro ranks #201 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 61% of state cities) and #5030 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hilsboro's small water system affect quality?
Hilsboro's system serves approximately 2,012 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 4 violations on record.