Is Jacksonville, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Jacksonville, MO — Water Quality Report
Jacksonville's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,015 residents using groundwater.
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 28 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jacksonville's water
Jacksonville ranks #146 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Jacksonville 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, Jacksonville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jacksonville, MO water safe to drink?
Jacksonville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,015 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jacksonville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jacksonville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jacksonville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Jacksonville's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Jacksonville's water come from?
Jacksonville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,015 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Watkins Ck At Belgrove Dr, Bellefontaine Neighbors (river), Maline Creek At Bellefontaine Neighbors (river), Mississippi River At St. Louis (river), River Des Peres Near University City (river), River Des Peres Tributary At Pagedale (river).
What Jacksonville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jacksonville'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Jacksonville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Jacksonville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 295 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
THOMAS HILL ENERGY CENTER CLIFTON HILL, MO65244 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 295 | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jacksonville compares by contaminant
Explore where Jacksonville ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jacksonville's water comes from
Jacksonville'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 public/private ownership and serves approximately 1,015 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Jacksonville
Jacksonville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Jacksonville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEIGHBORHOOD UTILITIES (TIMBER CREEK) | FL2164279 | 1,015 | GW |
How Jacksonville compares
Full Missouri rankings →Jacksonville's score of 88/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Jacksonville, MO
Wikipedia →St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern edge of Missouri, United States. It lies near the confluence of the Mississippi and the Missouri rivers. In 2020, the city proper had a population of 301,578, while its metropolitan area, which extends into Illinois, had an estimated population of over 2.8 million. It is the largest metropolitan area in Missouri and the second-largest in Illinois. The city's combined statistical area is the 20th-largest in the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jacksonville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Duval
Frequently asked questions
Is Jacksonville, MO tap water safe to drink?
Jacksonville's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #146 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Jacksonville's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jacksonville's water come from?
Jacksonville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,015 residents.
What health violations has Jacksonville's water system had?
Jacksonville has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Jacksonville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jacksonville 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 28 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 Jacksonville's water compare to other cities?
Jacksonville ranks #146 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 71% of state cities) and #3725 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Jacksonville's small water system affect quality?
Jacksonville's system serves approximately 1,015 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 28 violations on record.