WaterVerge

Is Jameson, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: MO1021080
Overall Score
85.9 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased ground water
#200 of 509 in Missouri Top 32% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.9/100
waterverge.com
A- 85.9/100

Jameson, MO — Water Quality Report

Jameson's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,569 residents using purchased ground water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 10 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Jameson's water

Jameson ranks #200 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Jameson purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.

As a small community water system, Jameson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.9 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Purchased ground water.
Water Safety

Is Jameson, MO water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Jameson'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 2 water systems serve approximately 2,569 residents using groundwater (wells).

4
Active Violations
1.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Jameson

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jameson's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

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 Jameson's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.92 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Jameson's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

MCLTTOtherMR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2016 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2016 TTHM Resolved
Jun 2011 Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Open
Jul 2008 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Sep 1995 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Daviess County has experienced 4 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 Grand River Near Gallatin.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3232
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-995
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-407

Where does Jameson's water come from?

Jameson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,569 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Grand River Near Gallatin (river).

What Jameson residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jameson's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Jameson'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 11% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.92 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

10
Total violations
3
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Jul 2016
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

10 Total
4 Active
3 Health-based
6 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
4
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
1
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Jun 2011 Active
Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2016
Apr 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2016
Sep 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1995
Aug 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 1995
Jul 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1994
Dec 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1992
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Jameson

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Jameson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
LANDMARK MANUFACTURING CORP
Transportation Equipment · NA
GALLATIN, MO64640
9.6 mi
MURPHY BROWN OF MISSOURI LLC-COFFEY FEEDMILL
Food · UNITED GLOBAL FOODS US HOLDINGS INC
PATTONSBURG, MO64670
8.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Daviess County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3232
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #995
Nov 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #407
Jul 1965
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #203

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Jameson's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.7 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.92 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.3 ppb from 1993 (4.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.7 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.415 mg/L from 1996 (2.335 mg/L) to 1998 (1.920 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,569
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Jameson's water comes from

Purchased Groundwater

Jameson purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.

Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Jameson's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.

Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,569 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Jameson

Jameson is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Grand River Near Gallatin
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Jameson

System Name PWSID Population Source
DAVIESS COUNTY PWSD 2 MO1021080 2,448 GWP
JAMESON MO1010405 121 GWP
Regional Comparison

How Jameson compares

Full Missouri rankings →

Jameson's score of 85.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Jameson (this city)
85.9
St. Louis
40.9
Columbia
61.4
Missouri avg
62
City Profile

About Jameson, MO

Wikipedia →

Gallatin is a city in Daviess County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,821 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Daviess County.

Economic Profile
$34,712
Median Income
12.8%
Unemployment
Community
44.3
Median Age
185
People / sq mi
9.1%
College Educated
94.7%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Jameson, MO tap water safe to drink?

Jameson'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 #200 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.

What contaminants are in Jameson's water?

Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.

How is Jameson'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 Jameson?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Jameson's water come from?

Jameson's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,569 residents.

What health violations has Jameson's water system had?

Jameson has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.

Is Jameson's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Jameson 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 10 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 Jameson's water compare to other cities?

Jameson ranks #200 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 61% of state cities) and #5027 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.