Is King City, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.9/100
waterverge.com King City, MO — Water Quality Report
King City's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using surface water.
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 13 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about King City's water
King City ranks #416 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, King City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is King City, MO water safe to drink?
King City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for King City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into King City's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.9/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 King City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
King City's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gentry County has experienced 4 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.
Where does King City's water come from?
King City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What King City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in King City'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.
King City'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
Gentry County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how King City compares by contaminant
Explore where King City ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where King City's water comes from
King City'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,100 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving King City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KING CITY PWS | MO1010425 | 1,100 | SW |
How King City compares
Full Missouri rankings →King City's score of 67.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About King City, MO
Wikipedia →King City is a city in southwest Gentry County, Missouri, United States. The population was 799 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to King City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gentry
Frequently asked questions
Is King City, MO tap water safe to drink?
King City's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #416 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in King City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is King City'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 King City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does King City's water come from?
King City's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 residents.
What health violations has King City's water system had?
King City has 9 health-based violations 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does King City's water compare to other cities?
King City ranks #416 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 18% of state cities) and #11167 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does King City's small water system affect quality?
King City's system serves approximately 1,100 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 13 violations on record.