Is Kewanee, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.8/100
waterverge.com Kewanee, MO — Water Quality Report
Kewanee's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 600 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kewanee's water
Kewanee ranks #231 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Kewanee 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, Kewanee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kewanee, MO water safe to drink?
Kewanee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 600 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kewanee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kewanee's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kewanee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kewanee's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
New Madrid County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 Mississippi River At New Madrid.
Where does Kewanee's water come from?
Kewanee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 600 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River At New Madrid (river).
What Kewanee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kewanee'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.
Kewanee'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNew Madrid County is currently in D3 (extreme 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.
Flood & disaster history
New Madrid County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kewanee compares by contaminant
Explore where Kewanee ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kewanee's water comes from
Kewanee 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 Kewanee'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 600 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kewanee
Kewanee is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kewanee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW MADRID COUNTY PWSD 2 | MO4024416 | 600 | GWP |
How Kewanee compares
Full Missouri rankings →Kewanee's score of 84.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Kewanee, MO
Wikipedia →New Madrid is a city in and the county seat of New Madrid County, Missouri, United States. The population was 2,787 at the 2020 census. The city is located 42 miles (68 km) southwest of Cairo, Illinois, and north of an exclave of Fulton County, Kentucky, across the Mississippi River.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kewanee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across New Madrid
Frequently asked questions
Is Kewanee, MO tap water safe to drink?
Kewanee's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #231 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Kewanee's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Kewanee'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 Kewanee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kewanee's water come from?
Kewanee's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 600 residents.
What health violations has Kewanee's water system had?
Kewanee has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kewanee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kewanee 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 Kewanee's water compare to other cities?
Kewanee ranks #231 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 55% of state cities) and #5701 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kewanee's small water system affect quality?
Kewanee's system serves approximately 600 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.