Is Hopkins, 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 ↓
72.1/100
waterverge.com Hopkins, MO — Water Quality Report
Hopkins's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 550 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 23 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hopkins's water
Hopkins ranks #384 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Hopkins 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, Hopkins may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hopkins, MO water safe to drink?
Hopkins's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 550 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hopkins
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hopkins's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.1/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater 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 Hopkins's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hopkins's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Nodaway County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 East Fork 102 River At Bedford, Mozingo Creek Near Pickering.
Where does Hopkins's water come from?
Hopkins's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 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 East Fork 102 River At Bedford (river), Mozingo Creek Near Pickering (river).
What Hopkins residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hopkins'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.
Hopkins'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Hopkins
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hopkins, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
J L HOUSTON HOPKINS, MO64461 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Nodaway County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hopkins compares by contaminant
Explore where Hopkins ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hopkins's water comes from
Hopkins'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 550 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hopkins
Hopkins is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hopkins
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOPKINS PWS | MO1010378 | 550 | GW |
How Hopkins compares
Full Missouri rankings →Hopkins's score of 72.1/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Hopkins, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hopkins's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nodaway
Frequently asked questions
Is Hopkins, MO tap water safe to drink?
Hopkins's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #384 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Hopkins's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Hopkins'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 Hopkins?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hopkins's water come from?
Hopkins's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 550 residents.
What health violations has Hopkins's water system had?
Hopkins has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hopkins's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hopkins 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 23 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 Hopkins's water compare to other cities?
Hopkins ranks #384 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 25% of state cities) and #10445 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hopkins's small water system affect quality?
Hopkins's system serves approximately 550 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 23 violations on record.