Is Keytesville, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.4/100
waterverge.com Keytesville, MO — Water Quality Report
Keytesville's drinking water received a grade of B (79.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 23 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Keytesville's water
Keytesville ranks #321 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Keytesville 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, Keytesville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Keytesville, MO water safe to drink?
Keytesville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (79.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Keytesville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Keytesville's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, TTHM.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3325). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Keytesville'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
Keytesville's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chariton County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Chariton River Near Prairie Hill, Mussel Fork Near Musselfork.
Where does Keytesville's water come from?
Keytesville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chariton River Near Prairie Hill (river), Mussel Fork Near Musselfork (river).
What Keytesville residents can do
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.
Keytesville'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
Flood & disaster history
Chariton County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Keytesville'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 3.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Keytesville compares by contaminant
Explore where Keytesville ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Keytesville's water comes from
Keytesville'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 500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Keytesville
Keytesville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Keytesville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEYTESVILLE PWS | MO2010420 | 500 | GW |
How Keytesville compares
Full Missouri rankings →Keytesville's score of 79.4/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Keytesville, MO
Wikipedia →Keytesville is a city in and the county seat of Chariton County, Missouri, United States. The population was 440 as of the 2020 census. Keytesville is the hometown of U.S. Army General Maxwell D. Taylor, who commanded the "Screaming Eagles" 101st Airborne division during the Normandy invasion of World War II. Confederate General Sterling Price, who attacked Keytesville during an unsuccessful cavalry raid across his home state, had previously operated a hotel there.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Keytesville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chariton
Frequently asked questions
Is Keytesville, MO tap water safe to drink?
Keytesville's water quality earned a grade of B (79.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #321 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Keytesville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Keytesville'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 Keytesville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Keytesville's water come from?
Keytesville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.
What health violations has Keytesville's water system had?
Keytesville has 10 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Keytesville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Keytesville 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 Keytesville's water compare to other cities?
Keytesville ranks #321 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 37% of state cities) and #8284 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Keytesville's small water system affect quality?
Keytesville's system serves approximately 500 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.