Is Lawson, 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 ↓
87.9/100
waterverge.com Lawson, MO — Water Quality Report
Lawson's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,036 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 12 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lawson's water
Lawson ranks #147 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lawson purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lawson, MO water safe to drink?
Lawson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,036 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lawson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lawson's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.9/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4012). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lawson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lawson's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Buchanan County has experienced 10 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 Missouri River At St. Joseph, Platte River Near Agency.
Where does Lawson's water come from?
Lawson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 5,036 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Missouri River At St. Joseph (river), Platte River Near Agency (river).
What Lawson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lawson'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.
Lawson'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 Lawson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lawson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMERICAN ITALIAN PASTA CO EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, MO64024 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS SEATING SYSTEMS EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, MO64024 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
VARIFORM INC KEARNEY, MO64060 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Buchanan County has experienced 10 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lawson compares by contaminant
Explore where Lawson ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lawson's water comes from
Lawson 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 Lawson'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 private ownership and serves approximately 5,036 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lawson
Lawson is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lawson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MO AMERICAN LAWSON | MO1010454 | 2,546 | GWP |
| RAY COUNTY PWSD 1 | MO1024510 | 2,490 | GWP |
How Lawson compares
Full Missouri rankings →Lawson's score of 87.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Lawson, MO
Wikipedia →St. Joseph is a city in and the county seat of Buchanan County, Missouri, United States. Located on the Missouri River, it is the principal city of the St. Joseph Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Buchanan, Andrew, and DeKalb counties in Missouri and Doniphan County, Kansas. As of the 2020 census, St. Joseph had a population of 72,473, making it the 8th most populous city in the state, and the 3rd most populous in Northwest Missouri. St. Joseph is located roughly 30 miles (48 km) north of the Kansas City, Missouri city limits and approximately 125 miles (201 km) south of Omaha, Nebraska.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lawson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ray
Frequently asked questions
Is Lawson, MO tap water safe to drink?
Lawson's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #147 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Lawson's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Lawson'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 Lawson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lawson's water come from?
Lawson's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 5,036 residents.
What health violations has Lawson's water system had?
Lawson has 4 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lawson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lawson 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 12 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 Lawson's water compare to other cities?
Lawson ranks #147 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 71% of state cities) and #3762 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.