Is Knob Noster, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.7/100
waterverge.com Knob Noster, MO — Water Quality Report
Knob Noster's drinking water received a grade of A (91.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,993 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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 36 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Knob Noster's water
Knob Noster ranks #51 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Knob Noster 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, Knob Noster may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Knob Noster, MO water safe to drink?
Knob Noster's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,993 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Knob Noster
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Knob Noster's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
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 Knob Noster's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Knob Noster's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Johnson County has experienced 5 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 Blackwater River At Valley City.
Where does Knob Noster's water come from?
Knob Noster's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,993 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Blackwater River At Valley City (river).
What Knob Noster residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Knob Noster'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.
Knob Noster'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Knob Noster
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Knob Noster, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ENERSYS ENERGY PRODUCTS INC ( FORMERLY HAWKER ENERGY) WARRENSBURG, MO64093 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
STAHL SPECIALTY CO WARRENSBURG, MO64093 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
US DOD USAF WHITEMAN AFB WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, MO65305 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Johnson County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 2.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Knob Noster compares by contaminant
Explore where Knob Noster ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Knob Noster's water comes from
Knob Noster'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 2,993 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Knob Noster
Knob Noster is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Knob Noster
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNOB NOSTER PWS | MO1010432 | 2,863 | GW |
| COUNTRY ACRES SUBD | MO1036167 | 130 | GW |
How Knob Noster compares
Full Missouri rankings →Knob Noster's score of 91.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Knob Noster, MO
Wikipedia →Knob Noster is a city in Johnson County, Missouri, United States. The population was 2,782 at the 2020 census. It is located adjacent to and closely associated with Whiteman Air Force Base. Knob Noster State Park is nearby.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Knob Noster's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnson
Frequently asked questions
Is Knob Noster, MO tap water safe to drink?
Knob Noster's water quality earned a grade of A (91.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #51 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Knob Noster's water?
Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Knob Noster'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 Knob Noster?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Knob Noster's water come from?
Knob Noster's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,993 residents.
What health violations has Knob Noster's water system had?
Knob Noster has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Knob Noster's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Knob Noster 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 36 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 Knob Noster's water compare to other cities?
Knob Noster ranks #51 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 90% of state cities) and #1529 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.