WaterVerge

Is Laplata, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MO2010451
Overall Score
92.9 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#35 of 509 in Missouri Top 7% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.9/100
waterverge.com
A 92.9/100

Laplata, MO — Water Quality Report

Laplata's drinking water received a grade of A (92.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,366 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 7 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Laplata's water

Laplata ranks #35 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Laplata may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.9 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Laplata, MO water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Laplata's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,366 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

1
Active Violations
1.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Laplata

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Laplata's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Laplata's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Laplata's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

MRMCLTT
Most recent violations:
Nov 2010 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Apr 2005 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Apr 2005 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Jan 2005 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2004 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

Where does Laplata's water come from?

Laplata's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,366 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Laplata residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 12% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

7
Total violations
5
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Nov 2010
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

7 Total
1 Active
5 Health-based
6 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
3
Total Coliform Rule
1
Interim and Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
1
Surface Water Treatment Rule
1
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Nov 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2010
Apr 2005 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2005
Apr 2005 Resolved
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Apr 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2005
Jul 2004 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2004
Jun 2002 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2002

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.8 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.8 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,366
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Laplata's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Laplata'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 1,366 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Laplata

System Name PWSID Population Source
LAPLATA PWS MO2010451 1,366 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Laplata compares

Full Missouri rankings →

Laplata's score of 92.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Laplata (this city)
92.9
St. Louis
40.9
Columbia
61.4
Missouri avg
62
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Frequently asked questions

Is Laplata, MO tap water safe to drink?

Laplata's water quality earned a grade of A (92.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #35 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.

What contaminants are in Laplata's water?

Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.

How is Laplata'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 Laplata?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Laplata's water come from?

Laplata's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,366 residents.

What health violations has Laplata's water system had?

Laplata has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

How does Laplata's water compare to other cities?

Laplata ranks #35 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 93% of state cities) and #1061 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Laplata's small water system affect quality?

Laplata's system serves approximately 1,366 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 7 violations on record.