Is Lake Tapawingo, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.3/100
waterverge.com Lake Tapawingo, MO — Water Quality Report
Lake Tapawingo's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 995 residents using purchased ground 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 15 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Tapawingo's water
Lake Tapawingo ranks #168 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lake Tapawingo 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, Lake Tapawingo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Tapawingo, MO water safe to drink?
Lake Tapawingo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 995 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Tapawingo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Tapawingo's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3325). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Tapawingo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lake Tapawingo's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 8 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 Longview Reservoir At Kansas City, Cedar Creek Near Lee'S Summit, Little Blue R. At Lees Summit Rd In Independence, Adair Creek At Independence, Blue Springs Reservoir Near Blue Springs.
Where does Lake Tapawingo's water come from?
Lake Tapawingo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 995 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Longview Reservoir At Kansas City (lake), Cedar Creek Near Lee'S Summit (river), Little Blue R. At Lees Summit Rd In Independence (river), Adair Creek At Independence (river), Blue Springs Reservoir Near Blue Springs (lake).
What Lake Tapawingo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake Tapawingo'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.
Lake Tapawingo'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 Lake Tapawingo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake Tapawingo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 662 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US ARMY LAKE CITY ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT INDEPENDENCE, MO64056 | Zinc compounds | 662 | 6.7 mi |
MEYER LABORATORY INC. BLUE SPRINGS, MO64015 | — | — | 1.5 mi |
ALSTOM SIGNALING LLC GRAIN VALLEY, MO64029 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
CENTRAL PLAINS CEMENT CO - SUGAR CREEK PLANT SUGAR CREEK, MO64050 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
AUDUBON READYMIX LLC DBA QUICKSILVER READYMIX - SCK SUGAR CREEK, MO64058 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lake Tapawingo
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- LAKE CITY ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT NORTHWEST LAGOON5.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Jackson County has experienced 8 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lake Tapawingo compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Tapawingo ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Tapawingo's water comes from
Lake Tapawingo 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 Lake Tapawingo'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 995 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lake Tapawingo
Lake Tapawingo is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake Tapawingo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE TAPAWINGO PWS | MO1010980 | 995 | GWP |
How Lake Tapawingo compares
Full Missouri rankings →Lake Tapawingo's score of 87.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Lake Tapawingo, MO
Wikipedia →Lake Tapawingo is a city in Jackson County, Missouri, United States. As of the 2020 census, Lake Tapawingo had a population of 794.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Tapawingo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Tapawingo, MO tap water safe to drink?
Lake Tapawingo's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #168 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Lake Tapawingo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Lake Tapawingo'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 Lake Tapawingo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Tapawingo's water come from?
Lake Tapawingo's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 995 residents.
Is Lake Tapawingo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Tapawingo 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 15 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 Lake Tapawingo's water compare to other cities?
Lake Tapawingo ranks #168 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 67% of state cities) and #4154 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lake Tapawingo's small water system affect quality?
Lake Tapawingo's system serves approximately 995 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 15 violations on record.