Is Ironton, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
48.6/100
waterverge.com Ironton, MO — Water Quality Report
Ironton's drinking water received a grade of D (48.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,773 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 61 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ironton's water
Ironton ranks #467 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
As a small community water system, Ironton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 26 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ironton, MO water safe to drink?
Ironton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,773 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ironton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ironton's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Nitrate-Nitrite, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ironton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Ironton's water system has 61 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 26 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Ironton's water come from?
Ironton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,773 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Dardenne Creek At O'Fallon (river), Dardenne Creek At Old Town St. Peters (river), Bonhomme Creek Near Ellisville (river), Bonhomme Creek Near Clarkson Valley (river), Caulks Creek At Chesterfield (river).
What Ironton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ironton'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtIron County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Ironton'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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.42 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.420 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Ironton compares by contaminant
Explore where Ironton ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ironton's water comes from
Ironton'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,773 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Ironton
Ironton is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Ironton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MO AMERICAN IRONTON | MO4010402 | 1,460 | SW |
| KILLARNEY SHORES SUBD | MO4036256 | 203 | GW |
| BAPTIST HOME | MO4069075 | 110 | GW |
How Ironton compares
Full Missouri rankings →Ironton's score of 48.6/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Ironton, MO
Wikipedia →Chesterfield is a city in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. It is a western suburb of St. Louis. As of the 2020 census, the population was 49,999, making it the state's 14th most populous city. The broader valley of Chesterfield was originally referred to as "Gumbo Flats", derived from its soil, which though very rich and silty, resembled gumbo when wet.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ironton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iron
Frequently asked questions
Is Ironton, MO tap water safe to drink?
Ironton's water quality earned a grade of D (48.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #467 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Ironton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 61 violations are on record.
How is Ironton'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 Ironton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ironton's water come from?
Ironton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,773 residents.
What health violations has Ironton's water system had?
Ironton has 29 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ironton's water compare to other cities?
Ironton ranks #467 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 8% of state cities) and #13431 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.