Is Knightdale, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.7/100
waterverge.com Knightdale, MO — Water Quality Report
Knightdale's drinking water received a grade of B (75.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 533 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 88 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Knightdale's water
Knightdale ranks #354 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Knightdale 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, Knightdale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Knightdale, MO water safe to drink?
Knightdale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 533 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Knightdale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Knightdale's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Nitrate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Knightdale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Knightdale's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Knightdale's water come from?
Knightdale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 533 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Creve Coeur Creek At Chesterfield (river), Creve Coeur Creek Near Creve Coeur (river), Fee Fee Creek Near Bridgeton (river), River Des Peres Near University City (river), River Des Peres Tributary At Pagedale (river).
What Knightdale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Knightdale'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
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 Knightdale compares by contaminant
Explore where Knightdale ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Knightdale's water comes from
Knightdale'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 private ownership and serves approximately 533 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Knightdale
Knightdale is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Knightdale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAYWOOD FOREST S/D | NC0392218 | 533 | GW |
How Knightdale compares
Full Missouri rankings →Knightdale's score of 75.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Knightdale, MO
Wikipedia →Des Peres is a city in west St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 9,193 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Knightdale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wake
Frequently asked questions
Is Knightdale, MO tap water safe to drink?
Knightdale's water quality earned a grade of B (75.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #354 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Knightdale's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Knightdale'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 Knightdale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Knightdale's water come from?
Knightdale's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 533 residents.
What health violations has Knightdale's water system had?
Knightdale has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Knightdale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Knightdale 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 88 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 Knightdale's water compare to other cities?
Knightdale ranks #354 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 30% of state cities) and #9520 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Knightdale's small water system affect quality?
Knightdale's system serves approximately 533 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 88 violations on record.