Is Leadwood, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.3/100
waterverge.com Leadwood, MO — Water Quality Report
Leadwood's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,192 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 82 violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Leadwood's water
Leadwood ranks #422 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Leadwood 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, Leadwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Leadwood, MO water safe to drink?
Leadwood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,192 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Leadwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Leadwood's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.3/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Leadwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Leadwood's water system has 82 total violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Leadwood's water come from?
Leadwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,192 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big River At Irondale (river), Big River Below Desloge (river), Big River Below Bonne Terre (river).
What Leadwood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Leadwood'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Leadwood
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Leadwood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LEAD BELT MATERIALS CO INC PARK HILLS, MO63601 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
MISSISSIPPI LIME CO LLC DBA MLC BONNE TERRE, MO63628 | — | — | 3.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Leadwood
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.
- BIG RIVER MINE TAILINGS ST JOE MINERALS CORP2.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Leadwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Leadwood ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Leadwood's water comes from
Leadwood'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 1,192 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Leadwood
Leadwood is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Leadwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEADWOOD PWS | MO4010456 | 1,192 | GW |
How Leadwood compares
Full Missouri rankings →Leadwood's score of 66.3/100 is on par with the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Leadwood, MO
Wikipedia →Leadwood is a city in St. Francois County, Missouri, United States. As of the 2020 census, Leadwood had a population of 1,178.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Leadwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Francois
Frequently asked questions
Is Leadwood, MO tap water safe to drink?
Leadwood's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #422 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Leadwood's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 82 violations are on record.
How is Leadwood'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 Leadwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Leadwood's water come from?
Leadwood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,192 residents.
What health violations has Leadwood's water system had?
Leadwood has 54 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Leadwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Leadwood 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 82 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 Leadwood's water compare to other cities?
Leadwood ranks #422 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 17% of state cities) and #11389 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Leadwood's small water system affect quality?
Leadwood's system serves approximately 1,192 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 82 violations on record.